WW2 and the economy Flashcards
What did the USA produce during WW2?
The USA produced 86000 tanks, 296000 aircraft, and 15 million rifles during WW2.
How did the war affect farmer’s income?
Farmer’s income grew by 250% during the war. More people left the countryside, allowing farms to get bigger and production to increase by 25%.
What was the unemployment rate in 1944?
The unemployment rate in 1944 was 1.2%, which had fallen from 13.9% in 1940.
How many black Americans were working for the federal government in 1939 and how many were working in 1944?
In 1939, there were 50000 black Americans working for the federal government. By 1944, this number had risen to 200000.
How many black Americans moved to cities during WW2 and how many found jobs at defence plants?
During WW2, five million black Americans moved to cities. Of these, one million found jobs at defence plants.
What percentage of teenage boys found work during WW2?
During WW2, 66% of teenage boys found work.
How many teenagers entered the workforce during WW2?
During WW2, there was an increase of 1.9 million teenagers in the workforce.
Why did many states have to change child labour laws?
Many states had to change child labour laws to facilitate the number of teens working.
What did teens do with their new disposable income?
Teens developed new interests like new popular music and a sense of dress style, adopting zoot suit fashion associated with Hispanic Americans.
How many teens were in high school in 1940 and 1944?
In 1940, there were 6.6 million teens in high school. In 1944, there were 5.6 million teens in high school.
What drive was there in 1944
‘Back-to-school’ drive
Was the ‘Back-to-school’ drive successful?
No, it had limited success as young people were encouraged to contribute to the war effort by employers.
How did the national debt increase during the war?
The national debt rose from $41 billion in 1941 to $260 billion in 1945 due to the war.
How did Roosevelt hope to pay for the war?
Roosevelt hoped to pay for the war through increased taxes and the sale of war bonds.
What was the tax rate for incomes over $200,000 during the war?
Incomes over $200,000 paid a 94% tax rate during the war.
Did the number of taxpayers increase during the war?
Yes, the number of taxpayers increased from 7 million in 1940 to 42 million in 1944.
What did the progressive nature of taxation during the war cause
A greater sense of equality
How much income did war bonds provide for the government?
War bonds provided 50% of government income during the war.
What is the Smith Act of 1940?
The Smith Act of 1940 made it illegal to threaten to overthrow the government and was initially aimed at fascists but later with communists.
What is the Selective Service Act of 1940?
The Selective Service Act of 1940 introduced conscription and originally applied to men aged 21-35 but was later widened to include those aged 18-45.
What is the Office of War Mobilization?
The Office of War Mobilization was established in 1943 and was responsible for controlling production, food prices, and rents during World War II.
How did the government control food during World War II?
The government rationed food products like meat and petrol, and consumer products like clothes were made with less material and simpler designs
How did the average American’s income compare to prices during World War II?
The average wage rose by 40%, while average prices rose by only 28%, meaning that most Americans paid more for goods during this time.
What did WWII cause individuals to do
More people saved - $140bil in savings, spending power that boost post-war boom
