Wartime Economic Changes and Rationing

Wartime Economic Changes

• Federal government directed the wartime economy via the War Production Board, overseeing industrial production.
• Businesses restructured to produce war materials. Automotive factories shifted from cars to planes, tanks, and trucks.
• Appliance and toy manufacturers made medical equipment, ammunition components, and other crucial items.
• The US became the "arsenal of democracy," surpassing all enemies in wartime production. This included 7,400 ships, 88,000 tanks, 300,000 planes, 2.4 million trucks, 6.5 million rifles, and 40 billion bullets.

Rationing and Material Conservation

• Rationing was implemented to ensure ample supplies for troops.
• Ration cards and stamps were issued for gasoline, fuel oil, cloth, shoes, sugar, meat, dairy, coffee, and cooking oil.
• Americans grew "victory gardens" to supplement food rations.
• Recycling drives for tin, iron, aluminum, rubber, clothing, and paper were common. Recycled materials were crucial for war production.

Labor and Employment Shifts

• Male mobilization into the armed forces created significant workforce gaps.
• Women filled factory, shipyard, and production-line jobs previously held by men. "Rosie the Riveter" became a symbol of this female labor force.
• African Americans migrated from the agrarian South to industrial North in search of opportunities.
• The Bracero Program (1942-1964) imported Mexican laborers to address agricultural and railroad labor shortages, increasing Mexican-American presence in US South and West.

Military Service and the War's Toll

• Sixteen million Americans served in the military, many enlisted, others drafted.
• The war resulted in significant casualties, injuries, and psychological trauma to soldiers.
• Over 400,000 Americans lost their lives.

Double V for Victory: Civil Rights and the Military

• African Americans fought for victory both abroad and against racial discrimination at home.
• The "Double V" campaign highlighted the struggle for equality against fascism and segregation.
• African American military service faced significant racial discrimination.
• While segregated, black soldiers played critical roles - supply, maintenance, anti-aircraft, radar operators, and tank units.
• The Tuskegee Airmen, the Red Ball Express, and other black units displayed extraordinary valor.

Military Service and Combat Efforts

• African Americans fought in various theaters like North Africa, Italy, and France, playing crucial roles in supply lines and combat.
• The 761st Tank Battalion fought to Germany and the 92nd Infantry Division fought through Italy, showcasing courage and skill.
• Combat situations like those in Lucca on Christmas 1944 highlighted bravery and sacrifice.

Tuskegee Airmen

• The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of black pilots who broke barriers to prove their capability.
• They flew as bomber escorts, strafed German targets, and faced significant challenges.
• Their experiences demonstrated the heroism and ability of black pilots in American service. This challenged the preconceived notions of black capabilities amongst the white military.
• Individuals like Alexander Jefferson participated in this pivotal group of aviation pioneers.