WW2 Flashcards
Before WW2
Prior to the Second World War, ⅔ of US plants were not working to their full potential (under the New Deal). Threat of war meant that not only all existing factories were put in operation again, but many new ones were built. 51 new synthetic rubber plants were built.
War Powers Act
granted Roosevelt the unprecedented authority to lead a nation into war, he coordinated the government, the economy and the military. The Office of Price Administration managed rationing of petrol, sugar, butter, meat and cheese. Office of Production Management, which became the War Production Board allocated materials. Richest were taxed 94% of their income.
Henry Ford and Industry FACTS
1944 Henry Ford was producing 10 bombers a day. US, in general, produced 16 major naval vessels to every 1 built by Japan. 1941-1943, unemployment sank from 14% to 2%. 17 million jobs were created and wages increased by 50%. Poorest 1/5th of American society saw earnings rise by 68%. Farm incomes quadrupled.
African Americans
life expectancy for African Americans increased by 3 years. FEPC gave executive orders that forbade job discrimination against African Americans, women and ethnic groups. Army is segregated. 1939 African Americans in industrial jobs earned 40% of what white workers earned, but by 1945, this had increased to 60%. Executive order 8802 where the government formally condemned racism. Riots in Detroit continued, 28 African Americans were killed.
Women
the number of women in work increased by 50%. 12 million moved from lower paid to higher paid jobs.
The War Labour Board attempted to encourage equal pay but this was rarely achieved. Women were still forced to do all domestic jobs and raise children. Restoration of the Pre - War Practices Act meant that many women lost their jobs when the men returned.
Workers
unions realised that they had more strength working together. Federal government had encouraged employers to recognise unions. Few strikes occurred during the war except the 1943 coal strike. In general, paid holidays were introduced, health insurance and better pensions.
Long term impacts on prosperity: car production increased 69,000 sold in 1945 - 7.9 million in 1955. New technologies are developed for the consumer markets: polaroid camera, frozen foods, freezers. 1952 Americans spent 255 million dollars on chewing gum. 1946-1964 increase in 73 million babies. 20% of society in the US lived below the poverty line and 40% had no toilets.
