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Your in the Army Now
In 1940 the Department of Agriculture had transferred over 350,000 acres to the War Department. -
A Segregated Military
At the start of the war, the U.S. military was segregated. African Americans were organized into their own units, but white officers generally commanded them. -
American Industry Gets the Job done
The attack on Pearl Harbor changed everything. By the summer of 1942, almost all major industries and some 200,000 companies had converted to war production. -
African Americans Demand War Work
During the Great Depression, many people believed married women should not work outside the home, especially if they took jobs that could go to men trying to support their families. Most working women were young, single, and employed in traditional female jobs such as domestic work or teaching. -
Women Joined the Armed Forces
Filling these jobs with women freed more men for combat. Filling these jobs with women freed more men for combat. -
Converting the Economy
Roosevelt believed that government and business had to work together to prepare for war. -
Women in Defense Plants
During the Great Depression, many people believed married women should not work outside the home, especially if they took jobs that could go to men trying to support their families. Most working women were young, single, and employed in traditional female jobs such as domestic work or teaching. -
Mexican Farmworkers
More than 200,000 Mexicans came to work during the war. Many also helped build and maintain railroads. Migrant workers thus became important to the Southwest’s economic system. -
Japanese, German, and Italian American Relocation
In 1988 President Ronald Reagan apologized to Japanese Americans on behalf of the U.S. government and signed legislation granting $20,000 to each surviving Japanese American who had been interned. -
Racism Leads to Violence
Racial violence erupted in Detroit on Sunday, June 20, 1943. Fighting between white and African American teens triggered a citywide riot that left 25 African Americans and 9 whites dead