Impact of WWII on African Americans & Women_May3

1. Social Impact of World War II
on the United States
MAST High School
U.S. History – Period 4
Ms. Richardson

2. Impact of U.S. Entry to WWII: Women
• Labor shortages -> more
women (37%) entered
the work force.
• Between 1940 and 1944,
married women made up
over 72% of workforce.
• Rosie the Riveter became
a popular icon on U.S.
– Symbolized the women
who worked in defense.

3. Impact of U.S. Entry to WWII: African
Americans
• Made up 20% of the military
forces (segregated units)
• Increased job opportunities
• Less segregation & racism than
WWI.
• A. Philip Randolph threatened a
march on Washington
- Led FDR to issue Executive
Order 8802
-Creates the Fair Employment
Practices Commission

4. Disruptions at Home
• The war caused disruptions at
home
-Shortages of supplies let to
rationing (food, gasoline, rubber,
etc.)
Americans created Victory
Gardens where they grew food on
private & public land
- Used to reduce pressure on the
public food supply