Destiny Grisby

February 11, 2016

1st period

World War II and the Civil Rights Movement

World War II contributed to the Civil Rights Movement in many ways. Although African
Americans werent treated equally, they had to fight for the rights of others in World War II.
Despite the injustices, they served their country and contributed to war efforts to the best of their
ability in segregated units.
The Civil Rights Movement fired up when African American veterans returned home
from war. They had taken care of business, and many had different attitudes towards their lives
and refused to accept the Jim Crow Laws.
(http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130218/articles/302191001?p=2&tc=pg)
-Women:
World War II changed womens role in society tremendously. War, for women, was about
gaining strength and mobility. Because this was a two-front war, so many men were sent off to
battle. While the men were fighting, new production was needed to support the war so women
had to step up and replace men in factories and plants. Women also took on non-combat jobs
such as drivers, mechanics, telegraphers, and switchboard operators. They tested aircrafts and
performed other non-combat flight duties too.
To catch to the situation was that the women were to give the jobs right back to the men
when war came to an end, but some women resisted. They had finally got a chance to become
successful in jobs only men had done before. Women became taxi and streetcar drivers, operated
heavy construction machinery, worked in lumber and steel mills, unloaded freight, and
performed other tough jobs. They finally had a chance to prove their capability while earning
money.

Destiny Grisby

February 11, 2016

1st period

While war was still going against the Allies, women relieved men pilots for combat duty
in 1942-43. General Arnold directed that training in heavier and more difficult airplanes could be
incorporated to the maximum extent although the women trainers showed superior abilities. The
goal of the Air force was to replace as many male pilots in non-combat flying duty. More than
25,000 women applied for training. 1,830 women were admitted, but only 1,074 completed
training and were assigned to operational duty. The washout rate for men went from 25% to 55%
over the same period.
Along with having roles in the flying division, women were used in Training Command
and the domestic numbered Air Forces too. Some were assigned to target-towing duty training
antiaircraft gunners. Some were assigned to fly tractors for gliders practice and others were
trained as instructors
Women worked very long shifts but were ecstatic to help out with war as much as
possible. This was an open door for ladies to develop and take in the employment aptitudes that
they were never permitted to do. The war made business for ladies, freeing them while changing
their customary parts. But this became a problem because the growing influence of women
threatened the men workers still in the U.S., which led to harassment and discrimination. Men
felt that war allowed women to get out of hand or out of the house because women started
working at young ages and were pleased with new opportunities to use their hands and skills
other than in the house. Man also felt as if women were undermining the traditional marriage and
family life.
World War II changed womens lives. It gave them a sense of independence, and it also
opened societys eyes to see that women are just as capable as men.
(http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/2002/3/02.03.09.x.html)

Destiny Grisby

February 11, 2016

1st period

-African Americans:
Although African Americans had enlistment rates in the U.S. Army, they were still
discriminated against. Soldiers of color served their country with distinction during World War
II. Famous segregated unions, such as the Tuskegee Airmen, etc., proved their value in combat
positions. This led to the desegregation of all armed forced by President Harry Truman. He
issued Executive Order 9981, which abolished racial discrimination in the armed forced and
eventually led to the end of segregation in the services. (https://www.boundless.com/u-shistory/textbooks/boundless-u-s-history-textbook/from-isolation-to-world-war-ii-1930-194326/social-effects-of-the-war-206/african-americans-in-wwii-1130-9024/)
In Chicago in 1942, James Farmer and George Houser founded the Congress of Racial
Equality. CORE began using sit-ins. In 1943, CORE attempted to desegregate restaurants that
refused to serve African Americans. Using sit-in strategy, members of CORE went to segregated
restaurants. Using these protests, CORE successfully integrated many restaurants, theaters, and
other public facilities in Northern cities including Chicago, Detroit, Denver, and Syracuse.
-Japanese Americans & Other Minorities
The attack on Pearl Harbor changed the lives of Japanese Americans forever. They were
not allowed to serve in the military at the beginning of World War II. As the war progressed;
however, second generation Japanese Americans served in the 100th Infantry Battalion and the
442nd Regimental Combat Team. Almost half had been relocated to internment camps in the
American Southwest. Many Mexican Americans had joined the National Guard during the 1930s
and served on the front lines. Most minorities were allowed only in noncombat positions. Native
Americans, who were regarded as fierce workers, were an exception to that policy.
(http://www.laalmanac.com/history/hi07t.htm)