11 Questions
What prompted Roosevelt to sign two executive orders to desegregate the defense industry?
A threatened strike by the railroad porters’ union
What was the role of women in supporting the engineers at Langley Field?
Analyzing numerical data from wind tunnel tests
What was the primary reason for the increasing numbers of applications from Black women wanting to work as mathematicians at Langley Field?
Roosevelt's executive orders encouraging desegregation
What was the purpose of Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory's expansion in capacity?
To test new aircraft designs
What event prompted President Roosevelt to challenge America’s aircraft industry to increase its output in 1938?
The outbreak of war in Europe
Why did Langley Field need to hire more staff, according to the text?
To assist in mathematical calculations for aircraft designs
What was the impact of hiring women as 'computers' at Langley Field, according to the text?
It resulted in cost savings for Langley
What led to President Roosevelt signing two executive orders to desegregate the defense industry?
A threatened strike by the railroad porters’ union
What was the role of NACA at Langley Field during this time period?
To oversee and support government initiatives at Langley Field
Why did Melvin Butler need to hire more staff at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory?
To assist in mathematical calculations for aircraft designs
What was a significant outcome of President Roosevelt signing two executive orders to desegregate the defense industry?
An increase in the number of applications from Black women mathematicians
Study Notes
Desegregation of the Defense Industry
- President Roosevelt signed two executive orders to desegregate the defense industry due to pressure from African American leaders and organizations, who were advocating for equal opportunities in the war effort.
Women's Role at Langley Field
- Women played a crucial role in supporting the engineers at Langley Field by working as "computers" to perform complex mathematical calculations.
- The increasing numbers of applications from Black women wanting to work as mathematicians at Langley Field was primarily due to the War Manpower Commission's efforts to recruit women into the workforce.
Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory's Expansion
- The laboratory's expansion in capacity was necessary to support the growing demands of the war effort.
President Roosevelt's Challenge to the Aircraft Industry
- In 1938, President Roosevelt challenged America's aircraft industry to increase its output in response to the rising threat of Nazi Germany.
Langley Field's Need for Staff
- Langley Field needed to hire more staff due to the increased workload and demand for aircraft production.
Impact of Hiring Women as "Computers"
- Hiring women as "computers" at Langley Field had a significant impact, as they were able to perform complex calculations and free up engineers to focus on design and development work.
NACA's Role at Langley Field
- NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) played a crucial role at Langley Field during this time period, conducting research and providing expertise to support the development of aircraft.
Melvin Butler's Need for Staff
- Melvin Butler, the director of Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, needed to hire more staff to meet the growing demands of the war effort.
Outcome of Desegregation Orders
- A significant outcome of President Roosevelt signing two executive orders to desegregate the defense industry was the integration of African Americans into the workforce, leading to greater opportunities and representation in the industry.
Test your knowledge about the history of U.S. aircraft production and the role of NACA during the period of World War II. Learn about the challenges and advancements in the American aircraft industry.
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