Life on the Home Front

1. Life on the Home Front 14.3

3. Women in the Defense Plants • Most believed women shouldn’t work during the Great Depression • Labor shortage during the war forced companies to hire women • More opportunities arose for women in blue collar jobs • “Rosie the Riveter” captured America’s vision of the working woman.

4. African Americans Demand Work • Factories continued to refuse to hire blacks • FDR passed Executive Order 8802 in 1941 • “There shall be no discrimination in the employment of workers in defense industries or government because of race, creed, color, or national origin.”

5. The Housing Crisis • Many Americans began moving into the cities for labor • Cities found it challenging to house the growing populations • The government increased their spending on houses in cities.

7. Racism Leads to Violence • African Americans moved to the North because of employment opportunities • Many blacks were not trusted and faced intolerance • Riots spurred up across the nation • Mexican Americans faced violence as well • Zoot-Suits were outfits that used a large excess of material • These suits were viewed unpatriotic because of the need of materials for the war effort • Riots spurred up in Los Angeles • Zoot Suits are still banned in LA to this day

8. Quick Review Please discuss the following with your partner. • How did women contribute to the war effort at home? • How did the Federal Government insure that African Americans would have equal opportunities to get work? • What were the Zoot Suit’s and Zoot Suit riots?

9. Japanese Internment • Many Americans became furious with Japanese-Americans living on the west coast following the attack on Pearl Harbor. • Japanese business and homes were attacked by mobs • The press attacked the Japanese-Americans as well painting them as spies

10. Wage and Price Controls • The Government regulated all prices • Office of Price Administration & Office of Economic Stabilization • Created to combat inflation • Many products were rationed • Meat, sugar, gas, etc. • 1 person from every household picked up a rationing coupon book every month • Driving distances were restricted and the speed limit was set to 35mph to prevent the use of gas and rubber

11. Paying for the War • The Government raised taxes • Paid for 45% of the war • War Bonds helped cover the rest of the cost • Most common were E bonds • Pay $18.75 now • Receive $25.00 in 10 years (Guaranteed 125% return) • Victory Gardens were planted • Scrap drives were also organized

13. Presidents who served in World War II Dwight Eisenhower John Kennedy Lyndon Johnson Richard Nixon Gerald Ford Ronald Reagan George H.W. Bush

14. Final Review With you partner, discuss the following questions regarding life on the home front in World War II. • How did women contribute to the war effort at home? • How did the Federal Government insure that African Americans would have equal opportunities to get work? • What were the Zoot Suit’s and Zoot Suit riots? • What did the Offices of Price Administration and Economic Stabilization do? • How did the United States pay for World War II?