The US mobilized for war by dramatically increasing industrial output, which ended the Great Depression. American workers were much more productive than German and Japanese workers. The US produced over 600,000 vehicles, 88,000 tanks, 7,000 ships, and billions of bullets and other equipment. Over 40 million men were drafted and given basic training. African American soldiers faced segregated facilities, while women took factory jobs at home. Japanese Americans were relocated to internment camps due to racism and fear. Despite discrimination, the US mobilized its diverse population to support the war effort through work, military service, and rationing.

1. Chapter 20 Sec. 1
Mobilizing for War
The War dramatically change
American society—it ended the
Great Depression.
“The industrial output of the US
during the war astounded the rest of
the world. American workers were
twice as productive as German
workers and five times more
productive than Japanese worker.”

2. American Industry Gets the Job Done
• 600,000 Jeeps
• 88,000 tanks
• 7000 ships—liberty ships (welded not
riveted)Cheap, easy to build and hard to sink
• 20 million rifles
• 40 billion bullets
• 43 million men drafted
• As well as mines, helmets, cooking utensils,
airplanes and scores of other military equipment

3. The War Production Board-

4. You’re in the Army Now
• Over 40 million men were drafted. First given
physical exams and injections against smallpox
and typhoid. They were issued uniforms,
boots, and whatever equipment was available.
The clothing bore the label GI meaning
Government Issue. Which is why American
soldiers were called GIs. Then they were giving
aptitude tests and shipped off to 8 weeks of
basic training.

5. • http://130thgeneralhospital.com/

6. A Segregated Army
• African Americans had separated barracks,
latrines, mess halls, and recreational facilities.
• Double V Campaign—a victory over Hitler’s
racism aboard and a victory over racism at
home.
• Tuskegee Airman
• http://youtu.be/BpA6TC0T_Lw

7. Women in the Army
• Women’s Army Corps, nurses, administrative
and clerical jobs
• 2nd Lt. Elmira Dalrymple

8. “They walk like free men”

9. Life on the Home Front
• “Rosie the Riveter”
• Eventually 2.5 million
Women went to work in
Shipyards, aircraft factories
And other manufacturing
plants

11. African American
• Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802—
declaring no discrimination in the
employment of worker in defense industries
or government because of race.

12. Japanese American Relocation
• Because of fear and racism all persons of
Japanese ancestry were ordered to evacuate
to internment camps.
• http://www.imdb.com/media/rm497324544/t
t0099291

16. Racism Explodes into Violence
• The “Great Migration” continued with African
Americans continuing with their migration to
the North to take industrial jobs –again
meeting with discrimination and sometime
resulting in violence.

17. Zoot Suit Riots
• Racism also reared its ugly head in other
places as well as with other nationalities.
• Mexican Americans and juvenile crime
became linked because of a zoot suit.

19. • Upon hearing rumors that Mexican American
teenagers had attacked sailors in California,
2,400 soldiers and sailors attacked Mexican
American neighborhoods in LA. The attacked
teenagers, but their hair, tore off their zoot
suits. The police stood by as the violence
continued for days. In the end the Zoot suit
was banned.

20. • Despite discrimination, over 500,000 Hispanic
Americans served in WWII with distinction.

21. Rations
• Rationing was common practice in order to
conserve.
• Meat, sugar, gasoline and rubber were
restricted.
• Coupons were given out.
• “Meatless Monday, Wheat- less Tuesday”
• Victory Gardens and Scrap Drives
• Paying for the War