Heimler’s History: Mobilization for World War II

Overview

• Focus on U.S. participation in WWII and its societal transformation.
• Key event: Bombing of Pearl Harbor ending American isolation.
• WWII as a "total war" leading to societal and economic changes.

Economic Transformation

• Federal Spending: Increased by approximately 1000% due to mobilization.
  • Boosted GDP by 15%, effectively ending the Great Depression.
• Private Industry: Shifted to wartime production.
  • War Production Board and Office of War Mobilization facilitated conversion (e.g., auto factories to tank production).
• Labor Changes:
  • Transition from high unemployment to labor shortage.
  • Government campaigns increased women's participation in the workforce (e.g., "Rosie the Riveter").

Social Changes

• Women in Workforce:
  • Encouraged to work in industrial roles, breaking previous social norms.
• African Americans:
  • About 1 million served in the military.
  • NAACP promoted the Double V Campaign for victory in war and against racism.
  • Tuskegee Airmen, notable African American regiment.
• Mexican Americans:
  • Approximately 300,000 served in the military.
  • Bracero Program allowed Mexican laborers to work in U.S. agriculture.

Military Mobilization

• Selective Service Act (1940): First peacetime draft in U.S. history.
  • Drafted millions of Americans for military service.

Wartime Discrimination

• Japanese American Internment:
  • Executive Order 9066: Over 100,000 Japanese Americans relocated to internment camps.
  • Korematsu v. United States (1944): Supreme Court ruled internment constitutional.
  • 1988: Federal government apologized and offered reparations to descendants.

Conclusion

• Significant societal and economic shifts due to WWII mobilization.
• U.S. transitioned from isolation to active participation, deeply impacting domestic policies and social structures.

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