The Impact Of World War Ii Flashcards
How did the war affect America?
Although many American soldiers were injured and killed the impact on Americans back home was generally positive, as the US was too far away from Europe to suffer from bombing. America was far better off after the war that it had been before
How was America better off after the war in terms of its economy?
America was richer than before the war. The US lend money to help other nations.
US farming was back on its feet
How was the US better off after the war in terms of power?
America was a superpower
America help set up the UN
America had army bases all over the world
How was America better off after the war in terms of business and technology?
American businesses became multinational
America lead the world in technology
Only the USA had the atomic bomb
How was the US better off after the war culturally
US films and music were everywhere
People all over the world tried to copy the US way of life
People like Elvis were international stars
What was the impact of World War II on women during the war
One third of all industrial workers were women by 1945 (compare to 1/4 before)
Propaganda images from World War I (Rosie the riveter) showed how during the war women adapted.
Was there any real change for women after the war?
Women saw higher, but not equal pay
Sexist attitudes still existed
After the war many women left the wartime jobs – lost their salary and related independence.
What was the impact of the war on Japanese-Americans?
100,000 Japanese Americans were seen as enemy aliens
Fear of enemy agents saw many Japanese Americans sent to relocation camps
Property was confiscated or forcibly sold
What was the impact of the war on black Americans?
War acted as a catalyst for change in attitude, but how much really changed?
Blacks joined the army but segregation still existed.
Only 12 black officers were appointed. All blacks served in segregated units.
Black women became nurses, but could only treat black people.
The situation improved as war progressed e.g. mixed convert units formed in late 1944
‘Double V’ campaign – black leaders took the opportunity to highlight the plight of black Americans.
Roosevelt set up FEPC - investigating and discouraging discrimination within companies.
NAACP made racial equality a domestic issue
Many blacks had migrated north to work industries – increase in racial tension. Some serious riots e.g. Harlem
When and why did America enter the Second World War?
December 1940 after the Japanese air force attacked American warships at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii
