3.12 Impact of WW2 Flashcards
What did the Smith Act of 1940 make illegal?
It made it illegal to threaten to overthrow the government
Aimed at fascism supporters
What was the purpose of the Selective Service Act of 1940?
It introduced conscription
What was the role of the Office of War Mobilisation?
To control the supply of goods and prices
What did the National War Labour Board do?
Set wages
What was the function of the Office of Scientific Research and Development during WWII?
Mobilised thousands of scientists to develop new methods of death and new methods of saving lives
What was the purpose of the Office of Price Administration and Civilian Supply established in August 1941?
To control inflation
What regulation did the Office of Price Administration issue in April 1942?
General Maximum Price regulation which froze prices at March 1942 levels
What percentage of food items were subject to price controls during WWII?
Almost 90%
What change occurred regarding the role of the president after WWII?
The president does not stand down after 2 terms
How did WWII impact economic recovery compared to the New Deal?
WWII was more significant for economic recovery
What was the unemployment rate in 1940 and 1944?
14.6% in 1940 and 1.2% in 1944
By how much did farm income grow during WWII?
250%
How many women entered the workforce during WWII?
6.5 million women
What was the status of the National Debt from 1941 to 1945?
Rose from $41 billion to $260 billion
What percentage tax did higher earners pay during WWII?
94%
What was the impact on wealthy and poor individuals during the war years?
The poor grew more wealthy while the rich received a smaller proportion of national income
What were Japanese Americans labeled as in 1941?
Subversives
Who dismissed the idea of Japanese internment as ‘damned nonsense’?
Chief of the Army West Coast Command, Dewitt
What led to the decision for compulsory relocation of Japanese Americans?
The inability to distinguish between loyal and traitorous Japanese
How many Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated?
100,000
What was the financial loss suffered by the Japanese community due to internment?
$400 million
What was the role of women in the workforce during the 1940s?
Traditionally seen as wives and mothers but many took on jobs in male-dominated industries
What was the average wage of African Americans compared to whites in 1939?
Less than half of white counterparts
Who organized the March on Washington Movement?
A. Philip Randolph
Had been appalled at the discrimination as a leading African American activist.
What was the outcome of the March on Washington Movement?
After the march of up to 100,000 demonstraters, FDR issued Executive Order 8802 and set up the Fair Employment Practices Commission
What did the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC) 1941 do?
Investigated complaints and took action against employment discrimination and investigated 8000 instances of discrimination.
Set up in 1941 as a result of Executive Order 8802
What were the conditions faced by African Americans in the armed forces?
Inferior training, few facilities, and serious mistreatment
What was the highest rank achieved by African American soldiers during WWII?
1st lieutenant
What was the name of the all African American flying unit?
Tuskegee Airmen (332nd Fighter Group)
Won great acclaim as fighter escorts for US bombers
