The Impact Of WW2 Flashcards
(25 cards)
What event prompted the USA to join World War II?
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941
This event marked a significant turning point for the USA’s involvement in the war.
Who did FDR rely on for expertise during the war?
Leading businessmen
This collaboration aimed to enhance the war production efforts.
What was the purpose of the War Production Board?
To oversee war production and was run by leading industrialists
The board facilitated the conversion of industries for war efforts.
Which company produced machine guns during the war?
General Motors
General Motors was one of the large companies awarded contracts for war production.
By 1944, what percentage of the world’s weapons were produced by the USA?
50%
This statistic highlights the USA’s significant role in global armament production during the war.
What was the unemployment rate in the USA in 1939?
9.5 million
This figure illustrates the economic challenges facing the USA prior to World War II.
How many men and women served in the US armed forces during World War II?
16 million
Conscription played a key role in reducing unemployment.
What was the unemployment figure by 1944?
670,000
This drastic reduction in unemployment was a result of the war effort.
How many people migrated from the rural south to the industrial north for work during the war?
4 million
The migration included a majority of black Americans seeking employment opportunities.
How many women joined the workforce during World War II?
7 million
This shift marked a significant change in gender roles in the workforce.
What percentage of aircraft workers were women?
1 in 3
This statistic underscores the crucial role women played in wartime production.
What was the average wage of factory workers by 1959?
$80 per week
This figure reflects the economic growth and rising living standards post-war.
How much did the US GNP increase from 1940 to 1950?
From $200,000 million to $300,000 million
This growth indicates the economic boom following World War II.
What was the impact of the Second World War on America’s recovery from the Great Depression?
Contributed massively
The war effort helped stimulate economic growth and recovery.
What was the demand for American goods like after World War II?
High demand at home and abroad
European nations were ravaged by war, increasing the need for American products.
What percentage of the world’s steel, oil, and cars did America produce post-war?
- 57% of steel
- 62% of oil
- 80% of cars
These statistics illustrate America’s industrial dominance after the war.
What policy did VP Truman introduce after FDR’s death?
The Fair Deal
This policy aimed to continue FDR’s initiatives and improve social welfare.
What impact did the Korean War have on US industry?
Kept industry busy
The ongoing Cold War also contributed to continuous demand for industrial output.
What was the population increase due to the baby boom?
40 million
This demographic shift created greater demand for housing and goods.
What was the first suburb in the USA?
Levittown on Long Island
Levittown became a model for post-war suburban development.
What was one reason women hosted Tupperware parties?
To avoid boredom
These social gatherings became a popular activity among homemakers.
True or False: In 1959, 29% of Americans lived below the poverty line.
True
Despite economic growth, significant poverty remained.
Fill in the blank: In 1955, 40% of New York’s welfare recipients were _______.
African American
This statistic highlights socio-economic disparities during that time.
What was a significant issue regarding healthcare in the USA post-war?
No national health service and increasing medical costs
This situation led to greater health risks for low-income families.
