6) BUST: The Second World War Flashcards
What did the USA do to help Britain and France in the Second World War?
The Cash and Carry Plan- November 1939 sold them US weapons which created employment.
Lend Lease- from March 1941 American started to ‘lend’ weapons to Britain and from June 1941 the USSR.
What was the reaction in America when it became clear that America supported Britain in the war?
Organisations like the Mother’s Crusade and the America First Committee held big anti-war demonstrations. Others saw the economic benefits such as rising employment in production and in the armed forces.
Why did the USA get involved in the Second World War?
On Sunday 7th December 1941, Japanese bomber planes attacked an American naval base in Hawaii- Pearl Harbour. 21 US warships were sunk or damaged, 177 planes destroyed and over 2000 men killed. The next day America and Britain declared war on Japan. Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on America.
What was the War Production Board?
Converted industries from peacetime work to war work.
How was unemployment affected by the war?
Between 1939 and 1944 unemployment fell from 9.5 million to 670000.
Why did farmers and traditional industry workers benefit from the war?
Farmers supplied food to the military. Demand for coal, iron, steel and oil was boosted by war.
Why did women benefit from the war?
As millions of men joined the army, women took their places in factories, railways and shipyards. Around 350000 women joined the armed forces. Between 1940 and 1945, the number of women in work rose from 12 million to nearly 19 million.
What was the Fair Employment Practice Committee?
Set up by the government in June 1941 to help prevent discrimination against African Americans in defence and government jobs. It couldn’t force companies to change but it stopped them receiving profitable government contracts. Some companies improved policies for African Americans.
How did racial barriers break down during the war?
The Air Force allowed African Americans to train as pilots in blacks only squadrons, armed services trained black officers but they could only lead other black soldiers in segregated units, African American women could train as nurses but could only treat black soldiers.
