CONTENT STATEMENT
United States policy and mobilization of its economic and military resources during World War II affected American society. Despite mistreatment, marginalized groups played important roles in the war effort while continuing to protest unfair treatment.
CONTENT ELABORATION
The policy and mobilization of the United States at the outbreak of World War II greatly impacted the lives of Americans. Aspects of wartime policy and mobilization included:
- transition from peacetime to wartime economy (e.g., price controls, War Production Board);
- personal sacrifices for the war effort (e.g., rationing, victory gardens);
- military mobilization efforts (e.g., military draft, naval expansion);
- contributions to the war effort (e.g., war bonds, scrap drives); and
- propaganda efforts by the government.
Job opportunities in the civilian workforce and in the military opened for women and minorities.
Marginalized groups and their experiences during World War II included:
- African Americans (e.g., Double V Campaign);
- Japanese Americans (e.g., internment camps);
- American Indians (e.g., Navajo Code Talkers); and
- Mexican Immigrants (e.g., Bracero Program).
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain changes American society experienced with the mobilization of its economic and military resources during World War II.