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League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Created
On February 17, 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens or LULAC was founded. This organization was a mostly middle class organization of Mexican Americans. This group challenged segregation and Latino discrimination in public spaces. The LULAC also participated in economic boycotts and helped through the court system. -
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Passing of the War Powers Act (I and II)
The first War Powers Act was passed on December 15, 1941, and the second War Powers Act was passed on March 27, 1942. The War Powers act was passed shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack, and the act itself allowed the president to organize federal agencies as necessary, to win the war efficiently. The act marks an increase of Federal power, given to Franklin D. Roosevelt. -
Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) Founded
In 1942 the Congress of Racial Equality or CORE was founded in Chicago, Illinois. It was an interracial organization that protested against racial inequality in public accommodations. This was a nonviolent approach inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. -
Establishment of the War Production Board
The War Production Board was established on January 16, 1942, through Executive Order 9024. The board was established to oversee the economy, and influenced industries to focus on producing materials that would aid in World War II. The establishment of the agency oversaw the production of such materials, and allowed the United States to maximize production of war related materials. The establishment indicates when the United States began to alternate its economy for the war period. -
The Executice Order 9066 Passed
Issued on March 21, 1942 by President Roosevelt. The order gave military commanders on the west coast the power to take any necessary measures needed to promote national security. This was a direct consequence of the internment, which was the forced relocation and detainment of Italians and Germans. -
Establishment of the Women's Army Corps (WACs)
The Women’s Army Corps, which was an army volunteer organization for women during WWII, was established on May 15, 1942. Containing around 150,000 women, the branch was later merged into the United States Army as active duty individuals on July 1, 1943.
The Women's Army Corps highlight the admission of women into military positions in World War II, an important part of history considering women were still looked down upon at the time. -
Office of War Information Established
On June 13, 1942, the Office of War Information was founded. This was established to promote patriotism and convince Americans to help the war by using propaganda to inspire Americans. This was an example of change facilitated by wartime legislation because it was created by an executive order. -
The rising of the March on Washington Movement
An emblematic of rising civil rights activity. Black leaders proclaimed their own “two front war,” using this Double V to exhibit victory against racism enemies abroad and at home. The movement and the activist leaders sought to encourage involvement in the war, as it resembled the fight against racism. -
Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES)
On July 30, 1942, the Navy Women’s Reserve Act was signed (otherwise known as WAVES). This navy military organization allowed women to officially volunteer in the Navy related war efforts, between the ages of 18 and 36 years old. This event, paired with the establishment of the WACs, also marked an important point for women in military branches (especially during WWII). -
The Zoot Suit Riots Occur
A series of riots in 1943 sparked by white hostility toward Mexican American teenegers who dressed in zoot suits, which were suits with long jackets with padded shoulders and baggy pants tapered at the bottom. As civilians and military authorities restored order, the riots came to an end and the Los Angeles city council banned the wearing of zoot suits in public.