Matheus Groberio

HIST 1302
Dr. Duke
Web #5

World War II

World War II brought about many changes, not just overseas, but here in the
United States. When Roosevelt declared war, it was unclear how essential this war
would be in changing Americas economic and social structure, with changes
continuing to present day. President Roosevelt knew that America was just coming
out of the Great Depression and new that Americans were hesitant to engage in
fighting another world war overseas when Americas economy and infrastructure
was still recovering from the Great Depression. By entering the war, every
Americans life and way of life was changed.
Roosevelt had the difficult task of gaining support from Americans;
otherwise the war efforts would have never been sustained. Roosevelts actions,
such as war bonds, efforts at rationalizing, and generating tax revenue, dramatically
reenergized the American economy and allowed the US to be a contributing county
in the war efforts overseas. Roosevelt realized that the US may not have the strength
of the German Army, but American people could out produce any other county in
producing war crafts.
Roosevelt gave Americans the task of manufacturing tens of thousands of
aircrafts, tanks, and military guns. Factories were now mobilized to produce around
the clock war materials and supplies. One mechanic, Clyde Odom, recalls having to
work 12-hour shifts throughout the week and up to 18 hours over the weekend.
Companies that were originally producing automobiles changed focus to produce
war machines and supplies. For example, Chrysler made fuselages and General
Motors made engines, guns, and tanks. During the entire duration of the war, only
139 cars were made compared to nearly three million cars being made in pre-war
times. One wartime citizen, Ray Leopold, remarked that individuals and companies
were not concerned about personal wealth, but the goal was to produce material
that will win the war and bring their boys home.
With 16 million Americans overseas fighting the war, millions of jobs opened
up state-side, restructuring the family structure permanently. Women were called
upon to serve their country, a message that women had never heard before. For the
first time in history, their economic and social roles in society gained them
independence they had never seen before. As opposed to having to fight for their
freedom, their power was celebrated. Such role models as Rosie the Riveter served
as powerful motivators for women to join the war efforts. Women, like Emma Belle
Petcher, joined the workforce straight out of high school. Petcher decided to take a
more masculine position working in maintaining and repairing aircrafts. Not only
was she working and competing with other males, she was one of only two women
who were promoted to an airplane inspector in Mobile. This movement allowed for
8 million women to enter the workforce, dramatically changing societys
expectations for womens duties. It was during this time that womens participation
in the workplace had risen 50% by the end of the war, a trend that has continued
since then.
Not only were women tasked with helping fight the war but children as well
were given an opportunity to support their country. Children were asked to search
the streets and gather supplies that were necessary for war materials, such as
aluminum cans, milkweed, and rubber. One child, Jim Sherman, reflects on his
childhood saying how his neighborhood was noticeably cleaner as a result of
childrens efforts at participating in the war. He added that there was incentive in
collecting materials, such as pennies or movie tickets. Children saw how both their
mothers and their fathers were sacrificing and felt like they had a part in the war
efforts nationwide.
While many Americans were fighting for worldwide freedom, many
immigrants and even American-born citizens were the targets of discrimination and
racial profiling. After Pearl Harbor, tens of thousands of Japanese Americans became
overnight enemies to the United States. Japanese Americans were forcibly
relocated to military areas that were often times in harsh, remote locations
(deserts, mountains, etc.). Still, the residents of the internment camps still tried to
establish some sort of normalcy within the camp. Asako Tokuno who lived through
the internment of Japanese Americans recalls residents trying to establish
democracy in order to facilitate cooperation and advocate for their rights.
For a majority of Americans, World War II had a dramatic and positive
impact on their lifestyle, while a significant population of Japanese Americans and
minorities experienced undue hardships and turmoil. Overall, America saw an
unprecedented amount of growth economically and socially, in areas such as
womens rights and role in society as well as the workplace. Roosevelts landmark
decisions and programs established during the years preparing for war paved the
way for America to become the forefront of freedom, leadership, and independence.