World War II: World War II: Americans At WarAmericans At War

(1941-1945)(1941-1945)

Section 1: MobilizationSection 1: Mobilization

After the Pearl Harbor attacks, the U.S. entered a After the Pearl Harbor attacks, the U.S. entered a war that they had already been preparing for.war that they had already been preparing for.

Selective Training and Service ActSelective Training and Service Act

Even before entering the Even before entering the war, the U.S. was preparing war, the U.S. was preparing for war.for war.

In 1940, Congress In 1940, Congress authorized the first authorized the first peacetime draft in peacetime draft in American history.American history.

Required males aged 21-36 Required males aged 21-36 to register for military to register for military service.service.

The GI WarThe GI War

Throughout the Throughout the war, more than 16 war, more than 16 million Americans million Americans worked in the worked in the military in some military in some capacity.capacity.

Referred to as GIs, Referred to as GIs, abbreviated from abbreviated from “Government “Government Issue.”Issue.”

Diversity in the Armed ForcesDiversity in the Armed Forces

25,000 Native Americans participated.25,000 Native Americans participated.• Navajo Code TalkersNavajo Code Talkers

1 million African Americans joined the military.1 million African Americans joined the military.• The Tuskegee Airmen The Tuskegee Airmen

Women and the WarWomen and the War 350,000 American 350,000 American

women volunteered for women volunteered for military service.military service.

Worked as clerks, Worked as clerks, typists, airfield control typists, airfield control tower operators, etc.tower operators, etc.

More commonly, More commonly, women entered the women entered the workforce to fill jobs workforce to fill jobs abandoned by men abandoned by men who went war.who went war.

War ProductionWar Production

In 1942, government set up the War Production Board In 1942, government set up the War Production Board (WPB).(WPB).

WPB stopped the production of consumer goods and WPB stopped the production of consumer goods and encouraged companies to make goods for war instead.encouraged companies to make goods for war instead.

Office of War MobilizationOffice of War Mobilization

In 1943, FDR appointed James F. Byrnes the head of the In 1943, FDR appointed James F. Byrnes the head of the Office of War Mobilization.Office of War Mobilization.

The office played a powerful role in centralizing resources.The office played a powerful role in centralizing resources. Byrnes was often called the “assistant president.”Byrnes was often called the “assistant president.”

Liberty ShipsLiberty Ships

Henry J. Kaiser introduced mass production techniques to Henry J. Kaiser introduced mass production techniques to shipbuilding.shipbuilding.

Cut the time needed to build a ship from 200 days to 40.Cut the time needed to build a ship from 200 days to 40. Called these new vessels Liberty ships.Called these new vessels Liberty ships.

Wartime Work ForceWartime Work Force

Unemployment nearly Unemployment nearly vanished completely vanished completely during the war.during the war.

Working wages rose by Working wages rose by 50%50%

Union membership roseUnion membership rose Unions initially agreed Unions initially agreed

to refrain from strikes to refrain from strikes after Pearl Harbor.after Pearl Harbor.

In 1943, some strikes In 1943, some strikes started again.started again.

Financing the WarFinancing the War

Federal spendingFederal spending• 1939: $8.9 billion/year1939: $8.9 billion/year• 1945: $95.2 billion/year1945: $95.2 billion/year

Gross National Product (GNP) doubled during WWII.Gross National Product (GNP) doubled during WWII. Higher taxes paid for 41% of this cost, the rest was Higher taxes paid for 41% of this cost, the rest was

borrowed from banks, investors, and the public through borrowed from banks, investors, and the public through war bonds.war bonds.

Shortages and ControlsShortages and Controls Consumer goods were Consumer goods were

scarce, as resources went scarce, as resources went to make war supplies.to make war supplies.

In 1941, the Office of In 1941, the Office of Price Administration Price Administration (OPA) was formed to (OPA) was formed to control inflation by control inflation by limiting prices.limiting prices.

OPA rationed goods OPA rationed goods during the war by using a during the war by using a point value system.point value system.

Popular CulturePopular Culture

With less available With less available goods, civilians looked goods, civilians looked for other recreation.for other recreation.

Americans began Americans began reading more books and reading more books and magazines.magazines.

They still flocked They still flocked baseball games.baseball games.

60% of the population 60% of the population went to the movies went to the movies every week. every week.

Enlisting Public SupportEnlisting Public Support Government Government

encouraged citizens to encouraged citizens to support the war.support the war.

Established the Office Established the Office of War Information to of War Information to work with magazines, work with magazines, advertising agencies, advertising agencies, and radio stations.and radio stations.

Worked to create Worked to create popular support for the popular support for the war.war.

Victory GardensVictory Gardens

People began planting home vegetable gardens to increase People began planting home vegetable gardens to increase food supply.food supply.

Became known as victory gardens.Became known as victory gardens. People in the cities and suburbs were planting vegetables in People in the cities and suburbs were planting vegetables in

their back yard.their back yard.

More WWII Ads/PropagandaMore WWII Ads/Propaganda

Section 2: Retaking EuropeSection 2: Retaking Europe

Although attacked by Japan, America Although attacked by Japan, America focused first on winning the war in Europe.focused first on winning the war in Europe.

Atlantic CharterAtlantic Charter Before Pearl Harbor’s attack, Before Pearl Harbor’s attack,

FDR met with Churchill to FDR met with Churchill to establish the principles for establish the principles for which they fought.which they fought.• Countries shouldn’t seek to Countries shouldn’t seek to

expand territory.expand territory.• Countries should allow other Countries should allow other

countries to choose their countries to choose their own government.own government.

• All nations of the world must All nations of the world must abandon the use of force.abandon the use of force.

Became known as the Atlantic Became known as the Atlantic CharterCharter

Battle of the AtlanticBattle of the Atlantic

Britain relied on shipments of food and supplies from the Britain relied on shipments of food and supplies from the U.S.U.S.

German U-boats sought to destroy these convoys of German U-boats sought to destroy these convoys of shipments.shipments.

U-boats sunk 175 U.S. ships in June 1942 alone. U-boats sunk 175 U.S. ships in June 1942 alone.

North Africa CampaignNorth Africa Campaign

British Troops fought the Italian Army in Egypt and Libya.British Troops fought the Italian Army in Egypt and Libya. German forces joined them, led by General Erwin Rommel, German forces joined them, led by General Erwin Rommel,

“Desert Fox”.“Desert Fox”. In 1942, Britain won a victory at El Alamein, pushing Axis In 1942, Britain won a victory at El Alamein, pushing Axis

forces back.forces back. By 1943, Axis forces surrendered in North Africa.By 1943, Axis forces surrendered in North Africa.

Invasion of ItalyInvasion of Italy U.S. invaded Sicily in U.S. invaded Sicily in

July, 1943.July, 1943. Italians lost faith in Italians lost faith in

Mussolini and his own Mussolini and his own Fascist council voted him Fascist council voted him out. out.

Germans freed Mussolini Germans freed Mussolini and evacuated him to and evacuated him to Northern Italy for Northern Italy for protection. protection.

Italy SurrendersItaly Surrenders

In September, 1943, Italy’s new In September, 1943, Italy’s new government surrendered and, weeks government surrendered and, weeks later, even declared war on later, even declared war on Germany.Germany.

German forces stayed in Italy, and German forces stayed in Italy, and continued to fight the Allies as they continued to fight the Allies as they proceeded to invade the country. proceeded to invade the country.

Eastern Front: Soviet UnionEastern Front: Soviet Union

In 1941, Hitler broke his agreement and attacked the Soviet In 1941, Hitler broke his agreement and attacked the Soviet Union, to gain access to key food and oil fields.Union, to gain access to key food and oil fields.

Germans surprised and dominated untrained and poorly equipped Germans surprised and dominated untrained and poorly equipped Soviet soldiers.Soviet soldiers.

Germany pushed East rapidly.Germany pushed East rapidly.

DestructionDestruction

Stalin ordered his retreating soldiers Stalin ordered his retreating soldiers to destroy anything that might be to destroy anything that might be useful to the Germans.useful to the Germans.

The Soviet army destroyed fuel, The Soviet army destroyed fuel, grain, railcars, and buildings as they grain, railcars, and buildings as they evacuated.evacuated.

Siege of LeningradSiege of Leningrad

In Soviet City Leningrad, German troops surrounded In Soviet City Leningrad, German troops surrounded the city and held it siege, not allowing supplies in.the city and held it siege, not allowing supplies in.

Over 1 million civilians died due to starvation.Over 1 million civilians died due to starvation.

StalingradStalingrad

In 1942, Germany firebombed the city of Stalingrad for two In 1942, Germany firebombed the city of Stalingrad for two months.months.

Germany gained most of the city.Germany gained most of the city. In the harsh winter that followed, Soviet forces launched a In the harsh winter that followed, Soviet forces launched a

successful counterattack.successful counterattack.

StalingradStalingrad

Cut off from supplies, German forces began to starve and freeze.Cut off from supplies, German forces began to starve and freeze. In January, 90,000 Germans surrendered after roughly 330,000 In January, 90,000 Germans surrendered after roughly 330,000

Germans had died.Germans had died. Soviet death estimates at Stalingrad are 1,100,000.Soviet death estimates at Stalingrad are 1,100,000. Stalingrad was the turning point of the war on the Eastern Front.Stalingrad was the turning point of the war on the Eastern Front.

Allied Air WarAllied Air War By 1943, Britain’s Royal By 1943, Britain’s Royal

Air Force (RAF) Air Force (RAF) developed a technique developed a technique called carpet bombing, called carpet bombing, scattering lots of bombs scattering lots of bombs across a wide area.across a wide area.

Bombed German Bombed German infrastructure, factories, infrastructure, factories, and railway lines so that and railway lines so that they wouldn’t have they wouldn’t have access to new supplies. access to new supplies.

Invasion of Western EuropeInvasion of Western Europe

After experiencing some success in After experiencing some success in North Africa, Italy, and the USSR, the North Africa, Italy, and the USSR, the allies decided it was time to allies decided it was time to recapture France and take control of recapture France and take control of mainland Europe.mainland Europe.

D-DayD-Day

On June 6, 1944 the Allies launched the largest landing by sea On June 6, 1944 the Allies launched the largest landing by sea invasion in world history.invasion in world history.

150,000 soldiers landed on Normandy Beach; 23,000 150,000 soldiers landed on Normandy Beach; 23,000 parachuted in behind German lines.parachuted in behind German lines.

2,000 people died, but the Allies took control of the beach and 2,000 people died, but the Allies took control of the beach and soon had 2 million troops in France. soon had 2 million troops in France.

Battle of the BulgeBattle of the Bulge Hitler began drafting Hitler began drafting

soldiers as young as 15.soldiers as young as 15. In one massive In one massive

counterattack in 1944, counterattack in 1944, Germany pushed the U.S. Germany pushed the U.S. Army back, forming a Army back, forming a “bulge” in the Allied line.“bulge” in the Allied line.

General Eisenhower sent General Eisenhower sent in more troops and in more troops and eventually pushed the eventually pushed the Germans back. Germans back.

Soviet Forces AdvanceSoviet Forces Advance

There was much more action on the There was much more action on the Eastern Front than the Western Eastern Front than the Western Front.Front.

After the turning point at Stalingrad, After the turning point at Stalingrad, Soviet Forces continued to push Soviet Forces continued to push Germans back.Germans back.

By April, 1945, they reached Berlin By April, 1945, they reached Berlin and began to destroy it. and began to destroy it.

Germany SurrendersGermany Surrenders

Losing the war on both fronts, Hitler chose to commit suicide Losing the war on both fronts, Hitler chose to commit suicide on April 30, 1945.on April 30, 1945.

Days later, on May 8, 1945, Germany officially surrendered.Days later, on May 8, 1945, Germany officially surrendered. Known as V-E Day, Victory in Europe.Known as V-E Day, Victory in Europe.

Yalta ConferenceYalta Conference

In February 1945, months before the end of the war, FDR, In February 1945, months before the end of the war, FDR, Churchill, and Stalin met at Yalta, in the Soviet Union.Churchill, and Stalin met at Yalta, in the Soviet Union.

They met to agree on the terms at the conclusion of war.They met to agree on the terms at the conclusion of war. Agreed to divide Germany into four zones, each under the control Agreed to divide Germany into four zones, each under the control

of a major Allied country. of a major Allied country.

Section 3: The HolocaustSection 3: The Holocaust

Under Nazi Germany, 6 million European Jews Under Nazi Germany, 6 million European Jews were killed, 2/3 the European Jewish population. were killed, 2/3 the European Jewish population.

8 Stages of Genocide 8 Stages of Genocide (Gregory Stanton)(Gregory Stanton)

1. Classification1. Classification• People are divided into "us and them". People are divided into "us and them".

2. Symbolization 2. Symbolization • "When combined with hatred, symbols may be forced upon unwilling members of pariah "When combined with hatred, symbols may be forced upon unwilling members of pariah

groups..." groups..."

3. Dehumanization 3. Dehumanization • "One group denies the humanity of the other group. Members of it are equated with animals, "One group denies the humanity of the other group. Members of it are equated with animals,

vermin, insects, or diseases." vermin, insects, or diseases."

4. Organization 4. Organization • "Genocide is always organized... Special army units or militias are often trained and armed..." "Genocide is always organized... Special army units or militias are often trained and armed..."

5. Polarization 5. Polarization • "Hate groups broadcast polarizing propaganda..." "Hate groups broadcast polarizing propaganda..."

6. Preparation 6. Preparation • "Victims are identified and separated out because of their ethnic or religious identity..." "Victims are identified and separated out because of their ethnic or religious identity..."

7. Extermination 7. Extermination • "It is 'extermination' to the killers because they do not believe their victims to be fully human". "It is 'extermination' to the killers because they do not believe their victims to be fully human".

8. Denial 8. Denial • "The perpetrators... deny that they committed any crimes...""The perpetrators... deny that they committed any crimes..."

Anti-Semitism Anti-Semitism (classification, polarization)(classification, polarization)

Anti-Semitism is Anti-Semitism is opposition, discrimination, opposition, discrimination, or hostility towards Jews.or hostility towards Jews.

At the time of WWII, At the time of WWII, Europe, not merely Hitler, Europe, not merely Hitler, or even Germany, was or even Germany, was highly anti-Semitic. highly anti-Semitic.

Jews have historically been Jews have historically been a persecuted people group. a persecuted people group.

Hitler and Anti-Semitism Hitler and Anti-Semitism (classification, dehumanization, polarization)(classification, dehumanization, polarization)

Hitler reflected and intensified anti-Semitism in his Hitler reflected and intensified anti-Semitism in his book, book, Mein KampfMein Kampf..

““Let the desolation which Jewish hybridization daily visits on our Let the desolation which Jewish hybridization daily visits on our nation be clearly seen, this blood-poisoning that can be removed nation be clearly seen, this blood-poisoning that can be removed from our body national only after centuries or nevermore; let it be from our body national only after centuries or nevermore; let it be pondered, further, how racial decay drags down, indeed often pondered, further, how racial decay drags down, indeed often annuls, the final Aryan values of our German nation” annuls, the final Aryan values of our German nation”

––Adolf Hitler, excerpt from Adolf Hitler, excerpt from Mein KampfMein Kampf

Symbolization, PolarizationSymbolization, Polarization

Nazi Policies Nazi Policies (Classification, Dehumanization, Polarization)(Classification, Dehumanization, Polarization)

Nazi’s first began excluding German Jews from all aspects of Nazi’s first began excluding German Jews from all aspects of life.life.

1933- Nazis ordered a one-day boycott of Jewish businesses.1933- Nazis ordered a one-day boycott of Jewish businesses. 1935- Stripped Jews of German citizenship, outlawed 1935- Stripped Jews of German citizenship, outlawed

marriage between Jews and non-Jews.marriage between Jews and non-Jews. 1938- Forced Jews to give up their businesses, students were 1938- Forced Jews to give up their businesses, students were

expelled from public schools.expelled from public schools.

The Star The Star (Symbolization)(Symbolization)

Jews were forced to follow rigid identification laws.Jews were forced to follow rigid identification laws. Eventually, all Jews in Germany or German-Eventually, all Jews in Germany or German-

occupied countries were forced to sew yellow stars occupied countries were forced to sew yellow stars marked “Jew” on their clothing.marked “Jew” on their clothing.

Hitler’s Police Hitler’s Police (Organization)(Organization)

Hitler formed… Hitler formed… • The Gestapo- secret policeThe Gestapo- secret police• The SS, or The SS, or SchutzstaffelSchutzstaffel- a - a

private army of the Nazi partyprivate army of the Nazi party By 1939, the Gestapo was a By 1939, the Gestapo was a

part of the SS.part of the SS. The main role of the SS was The main role of the SS was

to weed out “undesirables” to weed out “undesirables” of society.of society.

Jews, homosexuals, Jews, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Gypsies, and homeless. Gypsies, and homeless.

Kristallnacht Kristallnacht (polarization, preparation)(polarization, preparation)

In 1938, Nazi thugs In 1938, Nazi thugs looted and destroyed looted and destroyed countless Jewish stores, countless Jewish stores, houses, and synagogues.houses, and synagogues.

Called Kristallnacht, Called Kristallnacht, “Night of the Broken “Night of the Broken Glass”Glass”

Most synagogues were Most synagogues were destroyed, and Jews destroyed, and Jews themselves were given a themselves were given a fine to pay for the event.fine to pay for the event.

Refugees Seek to EscapeRefugees Seek to Escape

During the 1930s, many Jews sought to leave Germany.During the 1930s, many Jews sought to leave Germany. Most moved to neighboring European countries.Most moved to neighboring European countries. Some tried to go overseas, but most countries, including Some tried to go overseas, but most countries, including

the U.S. refused immigrants due to the Depression.the U.S. refused immigrants due to the Depression.

Ghettos Ghettos (Organization, Preparation, Extermination)(Organization, Preparation, Extermination)

Early on, Nazis plan Early on, Nazis plan was to force all Jews was to force all Jews into sealed, into sealed, overcrowded ghettos.overcrowded ghettos.

In Warsaw, Poland, In Warsaw, Poland, they put 400,000 Jews they put 400,000 Jews into an area where into an area where 50,000 people had 50,000 people had lived.lived.

They sealed it with a They sealed it with a wall and barbed wire, wall and barbed wire, guarded the perimeter, guarded the perimeter, and let very little food and let very little food in. in.

Einstazgruppen Einstazgruppen (extermination)(extermination)

While invading the While invading the USSR, Hitler ordered the USSR, Hitler ordered the EinsatzgruppenEinsatzgruppen, killing , killing squads, to shoot all Jews squads, to shoot all Jews and communist leaders.and communist leaders.

Rounded up victims, had Rounded up victims, had them dig pits, then shot them dig pits, then shot them into the pits.them into the pits.

Shot 33,000 Jews in two Shot 33,000 Jews in two days.days.

Death Camps Death Camps (extermination)(extermination)

To exterminate the Jews To exterminate the Jews more discretely and more discretely and efficiently, the Nazis efficiently, the Nazis implemented death implemented death camps.camps.

Death camps had large Death camps had large gas chambers disguised gas chambers disguised as shower rooms.as shower rooms.

Large numbers of Jews Large numbers of Jews were squeezed into these were squeezed into these chambers, gassed, and chambers, gassed, and killed.killed.

Death Camps: AuschwitzDeath Camps: Auschwitz Until they were Until they were

gassed, prisoners gassed, prisoners worked forced to work worked forced to work in terrible conditions.in terrible conditions.

Life expectancy at Life expectancy at Auschwitz, the largest Auschwitz, the largest of all death camps, of all death camps, was only several was only several months.months.

Auschwitz alone Auschwitz alone gassed and cremated gassed and cremated 12,000 people/day.12,000 people/day.

LiberationLiberation In 1944, Roosevelt In 1944, Roosevelt

created the War created the War Refugee Board (WRB) to Refugee Board (WRB) to help people threatened help people threatened by the Nazis.by the Nazis.

Aid was minimal, until Aid was minimal, until the war ended in 1945, the war ended in 1945, and Allied soldiers and Allied soldiers arrived to liberate the arrived to liberate the death camps. death camps.

Nuremberg TrialsNuremberg Trials

The Holocaust was more expansive than anyone had known The Holocaust was more expansive than anyone had known during the war.during the war.

After the war, an International Military Tribunal held the After the war, an International Military Tribunal held the Nuremberg Trials, to try Nazi soldiers involved in the genocide.Nuremberg Trials, to try Nazi soldiers involved in the genocide.

The soldiers argued that they were merely following orders.The soldiers argued that they were merely following orders. The trials set a precedent of personal responsibility even The trials set a precedent of personal responsibility even

during war.during war.

Section 4: War in the PacificSection 4: War in the Pacific

With the conclusion of the war in Europe, the With the conclusion of the war in Europe, the U.S. turned all of its attention to the war with U.S. turned all of its attention to the war with Japan in the Pacific.Japan in the Pacific.

Japanese AdvancementJapanese Advancement

After the attack of Pearl After the attack of Pearl Harbor, Japan invadedHarbor, Japan invaded• Hong Kong and Hong Kong and

SingaporeSingapore• Dutch East Indies and Dutch East Indies and

MalayaMalaya• BurmaBurma

In 1942, Japan turned In 1942, Japan turned their focus to controlling their focus to controlling the Philippines.the Philippines.

The Philippines FallThe Philippines Fall

Fighting took place on the Bataan Peninusula of the Fighting took place on the Bataan Peninusula of the Philippines.Philippines.

Facing starvation, and running out of ammunition, Facing starvation, and running out of ammunition, American and Filipinos surrendered to Japan on May 6, American and Filipinos surrendered to Japan on May 6, 1942.1942.

Bataan Death MarchBataan Death March Those who surrendered Those who surrendered

became Japanese prisoners became Japanese prisoners of war (POWs).of war (POWs).

76,000 Filipinos and 76,000 Filipinos and Americans were forced to Americans were forced to march on a 6-12 day march on a 6-12 day journey to an army camp.journey to an army camp.

They were beaten, They were beaten, tortured, withheld food and tortured, withheld food and water, and killed.water, and killed.

10,000+ died on this 10,000+ died on this Bataan Death March. Bataan Death March.

War at SeaWar at Sea The war with Japan The war with Japan

relied on aircraft relied on aircraft carriers.carriers.

Japan failed to destroy Japan failed to destroy America’s 3 aircraft America’s 3 aircraft carriers at Pearl Harbor.carriers at Pearl Harbor.

Air battle turned ships Air battle turned ships into plane carriers into plane carriers instead of destroyers.instead of destroyers.

Battle of MidwayBattle of Midway In June 1942, at the In June 1942, at the

island of Midway, the island of Midway, the U.S. destroyed a large U.S. destroyed a large percentage of Japan’s percentage of Japan’s naval fleet.naval fleet.• Sank all four Japanese Sank all four Japanese

aircraft carriers.aircraft carriers.• 250 Japanese planes250 Japanese planes

After Midway, Japan After Midway, Japan couldn’t launch any couldn’t launch any more offensives.more offensives.

Island-HoppingIsland-Hopping

The U.S., under General Douglas MacArthur began The U.S., under General Douglas MacArthur began an “island-hopping” campaign.an “island-hopping” campaign.

Seized one island, then used it as a base to launch Seized one island, then used it as a base to launch attacks on other local islands controlled by Japan.attacks on other local islands controlled by Japan.

Slowly moved closer towards Japan.Slowly moved closer towards Japan.

Philippines CampaignPhilippines Campaign

Executive orders were to bypass the Philippines and push Executive orders were to bypass the Philippines and push straight toward Japan.straight toward Japan.

MacArthur disagreed, FDR reversed the decision.MacArthur disagreed, FDR reversed the decision. The battle took longer than anticipated.The battle took longer than anticipated.

• Japanese used kamikaze fighters, suicide pilots.Japanese used kamikaze fighters, suicide pilots.• Of 80,000 Japanese soldiers, only 1,000 were alive to surrender.Of 80,000 Japanese soldiers, only 1,000 were alive to surrender.

Battle of Iwo JimaBattle of Iwo Jima

American troops dropped 7,000 tons of bombs on Iwo Jima American troops dropped 7,000 tons of bombs on Iwo Jima (700 miles from Japan) for 74 days before taking control of (700 miles from Japan) for 74 days before taking control of the island.the island.

25,000 Japanese fought to the death, only 216 remained 25,000 Japanese fought to the death, only 216 remained alive after being taken prisoner. alive after being taken prisoner.

Battle of OkinawaBattle of Okinawa Okinawa, 350 miles from Okinawa, 350 miles from

Japanese mainland, was Japanese mainland, was the last island before the last island before reaching the mainland.reaching the mainland.

In desperation, kamikaze In desperation, kamikaze attacks increased.attacks increased.

In June 1945, Okinawa In June 1945, Okinawa fell to the U.S.fell to the U.S.• Only 7,200 of Japan’s Only 7,200 of Japan’s

initial 100,000 soldiers initial 100,000 soldiers remained alive.remained alive.

The Manhattan ProjectThe Manhattan Project

In 1939, Albert Einstein wrote a letter to FDR In 1939, Albert Einstein wrote a letter to FDR warning that Germany might build an all-powerful warning that Germany might build an all-powerful atomic bomb.atomic bomb.

Einstein himself was a German Jew who had moved Einstein himself was a German Jew who had moved to America to escape Hitler in 1933.to America to escape Hitler in 1933.

FDR organized a top secret Manhattan Project to FDR organized a top secret Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb before Germany.develop the atomic bomb before Germany.

Atomic BombAtomic Bomb

On July 16, 1945, they On July 16, 1945, they tested the first atomic tested the first atomic bomb in the New bomb in the New Mexican desert.Mexican desert.

Watching, J. Robert Watching, J. Robert Oppenheimer, supervisor of Oppenheimer, supervisor of the project spoke from the the project spoke from the Hindu holy book, Hindu holy book, Bhagavad Bhagavad GitaGita, , “Now I am become “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of Death, the destroyer of worlds.”worlds.”

DecisionDecision

In deciding to drop the bomb, several In deciding to drop the bomb, several alternatives were considered..alternatives were considered..• A massive invasion of Japan, expected to cost A massive invasion of Japan, expected to cost

millions of Allied casualtiesmillions of Allied casualties• A naval blockade to starve Japan, with A naval blockade to starve Japan, with

continued bombingcontinued bombing• A demonstration of the weapon on a nearby A demonstration of the weapon on a nearby

deserted island, to pressure Japan to surrenderdeserted island, to pressure Japan to surrender• A softening of Allied demands for unconditional A softening of Allied demands for unconditional

surrendersurrender

Harry S. TrumanHarry S. Truman FDR died in April, 1945, FDR died in April, 1945,

just before the end of the just before the end of the war.war.

Vice President, Harry S. Vice President, Harry S. Truman, became Truman, became president.president.

Ultimately, the final Ultimately, the final decision regarding the decision regarding the atomic bomb was up to atomic bomb was up to Truman; he decided to use Truman; he decided to use it.it.

HiroshimaHiroshima

On April 6, 1945, American plane, Enola Gay dropped On April 6, 1945, American plane, Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

The blast damaged or totally destroyed 90% of the The blast damaged or totally destroyed 90% of the city’s buildings.city’s buildings.

Killed an estimated 80,000 people from the blast alone.Killed an estimated 80,000 people from the blast alone.

AftermathAftermath

Nagasaki: The EndNagasaki: The End Three days later, Three days later,

August 9August 9thth, another , another bomb was dropped on bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.Nagasaki.

On August 14On August 14thth, Japan , Japan accepted American accepted American terms for surrender.terms for surrender.

August 15August 15thth was was celebrated as V-J Day, celebrated as V-J Day, Victory in Japan. Victory in Japan.

Section 5: Social Impact of WarSection 5: Social Impact of War

War brought about social changes on the home War brought about social changes on the home front, particularly for women and minorities. front, particularly for women and minorities.

African American EmploymentAfrican American Employment African American African American

unemployment rate was 20% unemployment rate was 20% in 1941.in 1941.

In 1941, Roosevelt banned In 1941, Roosevelt banned discrimination in workforce.discrimination in workforce.

2 million African Americans 2 million African Americans moved from the South to moved from the South to cities in the North to find jobs.cities in the North to find jobs.

Most found jobs, but many Most found jobs, but many lived in substandard housing lived in substandard housing and were resented and feared and were resented and feared by whites.by whites.

Soldiers and SegregationSoldiers and Segregation

African Americans fought in the war, but remained African Americans fought in the war, but remained segregated even in the military.segregated even in the military.

Many thought it contradictory that the U.S. would Many thought it contradictory that the U.S. would fight for freedom while practicing racial segregation.fight for freedom while practicing racial segregation.

““Double V”Double V”

An African American newspaper launched a “Double An African American newspaper launched a “Double V” campaign.V” campaign.

Referred to victory against the Axis powers, and the Referred to victory against the Axis powers, and the victory of racial equality at home.victory of racial equality at home.

Mexican AmericansMexican Americans

A shortage of farm laborers led the U.S. to begin providing A shortage of farm laborers led the U.S. to begin providing transportation, food, and shelter for thousands of transportation, food, and shelter for thousands of bracerosbraceros, , Mexican farm laborers brought to work in the U.S.Mexican farm laborers brought to work in the U.S.

More than 200,000 More than 200,000 bracerosbraceros came to the U.S., largely the came to the U.S., largely the Southwest, between 1942-1947.Southwest, between 1942-1947.

Zoot Suit RiotsZoot Suit Riots Some young Mexican Some young Mexican

Americans in Los Angeles Americans in Los Angeles wore “zoot suits”, long wore “zoot suits”, long jackets and baggy pants.jackets and baggy pants.

This look offended many, and This look offended many, and navy sailors on leave often navy sailors on leave often looked to beat up “zoot-looked to beat up “zoot-suiters”suiters”

In 1943, street fighting broke In 1943, street fighting broke into full-scale rioting until into full-scale rioting until Army officials intervened.Army officials intervened.

Japanese AmericansJapanese Americans

In 1941, there were 127,000 Japanese Americans In 1941, there were 127,000 Japanese Americans in the U.S., most on the West Coast.in the U.S., most on the West Coast.

Roughly two thirds had been born in the U.S.Roughly two thirds had been born in the U.S. Suffered extreme racism, hatred, and paranoia Suffered extreme racism, hatred, and paranoia

from the rest of American during the war. from the rest of American during the war.

Japanese InternmentJapanese Internment Fearing Japanese Fearing Japanese

Americans could be spies, Americans could be spies, the government set up the government set up the War Relocation the War Relocation Authority to intern, or Authority to intern, or confine, Japanese to confine, Japanese to guarded camps in remote guarded camps in remote areas.areas.

110,000 Japanese were 110,000 Japanese were forced into these forced into these internment camps.internment camps.

Internment CampsInternment Camps

Some Japanese legally challenged internment.Some Japanese legally challenged internment. In In Korematsu v. United StatesKorematsu v. United States (1944), the Supreme (1944), the Supreme

Court ruled that the relocation was not based on Court ruled that the relocation was not based on race.race.

Japanese Internment CampsJapanese Internment Camps

In 1945, Japanese Americans were In 1945, Japanese Americans were allowed to leave the internment allowed to leave the internment camps.camps.

In time, the internment came to be In time, the internment came to be seen as a great injustice.seen as a great injustice.

In 1988, Congress awarded each In 1988, Congress awarded each surviving internee $20,000 and the surviving internee $20,000 and the U.S. government officially apologized U.S. government officially apologized for the internment.for the internment.

Japanese Americans in MilitaryJapanese Americans in Military

Military refused to accept Japanese Americans until 1943.Military refused to accept Japanese Americans until 1943. Ironically, more than 17,000 eventually volunteered to Ironically, more than 17,000 eventually volunteered to

fight, even from internment camps.fight, even from internment camps. Most were Nisei, 2Most were Nisei, 2ndnd generation immigrants. generation immigrants. An all-Japanese unit won more medals than any other unit An all-Japanese unit won more medals than any other unit

in U.S. history.in U.S. history.

Working WomenWorking Women

The war brought women The war brought women into different parts of the into different parts of the work force.work force.

Traditional women’s jobs, Traditional women’s jobs, secretaries, household secretaries, household servants, and sales clerks, servants, and sales clerks, were abandoned for factor were abandoned for factor work and defense work and defense manufacturing. manufacturing.

By 1944, women made up By 1944, women made up 35% of the total labor 35% of the total labor force.force.

Rosie the RiveterRosie the Riveter Fictional characterFictional character Rosie worked in a defense Rosie worked in a defense

plant, driving rivets into plant, driving rivets into metal planes, while her metal planes, while her boyfriend fought at war.boyfriend fought at war.

Popular icon that Popular icon that encouraged women to enter encouraged women to enter the labor force.the labor force.

The government used Rosie The government used Rosie in posters and recruitment in posters and recruitment ads. ads.

After the WarAfter the War

Many women wanted to continue Many women wanted to continue working at the war’s end.working at the war’s end.

There was intense pressure to leave There was intense pressure to leave their jobs and return home so that their jobs and return home so that returning soldiers could get their jobs returning soldiers could get their jobs back.back.

Aftermath: Death TollAftermath: Death Toll