Impacts of WWII on the U.S.

U.S. EconomyA. Time of Opportunity– Job opportunities:

unemployment fell to 1.2%

– Prosperous farming– Women: new job

opportunitiesB. U.S. becomes the world’s

dominant economic power

Population ShiftsA. Mass Migrations– Millions left home

to find work– Towns with

defense industries doubled or tripled in size

B. The South lost over 1.2 million African-Americans

African-American Migration during WWII

Social AdjustmentsA. Family difficulties:

dads fighting and moms working

B. Increase in marriagesC. G.I. Bill of Rights– Benefits for veterans– Education and

training– Loan guarantees

Civil Rights IssuesA. African-Americans– Segregated units in WWII– Home Front—Discrimination

B. Mexican Americans– 250,000 to 500,000 serve in armed

forces– Increased immigration for jobs– Discrimination– Zoot Suit riots in L.A.