HIST 1302 Northwest Vista College Minorities During World War II Discussion World War II The Second World War promoted the U.S. as the super power of the

HIST 1302 Northwest Vista College Minorities During World War II Discussion World War II

The Second World War promoted the U.S. as the super power of the world, as the American military overwhelmed the Nazi and Japanese Empires. This victory propelled the USA to create military bases throughout the world!

World War II has been known as the ‘Greatest Generation’. Americans made many sacrifices to win the war. Men of all races volunteered to help defeat Hitler and his racist, Fascist regime. However, white supremacy reigned in the United States, as well, unfortunately.

WWII created the Middle Class America that most of us are a part of today. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s creation of the G.I. Bill gave assistance to help military veterans earn the American dream (school tuition, business assistance, healthcare). Like his New Deal programs during the Great Depression, FDR’s efforts helped many Americans, including the minority groups you see in these pictures.

If the World war II era is known as the ‘greatest generation’ then why was there mass prejudice and racism? Many Americans were not ready to have minorities (including women) become a part of everyday life. Many Anglos protested against this changing society, some even resorting to violence. The following pictures show minority groups who endured tough times during the Second World War… enjoy!!

Your assignment: Read the data and look at the pictures below. Be sure to answer these questions as clear as possible, using examples from the pictures. This discussion should be at least 200 words. Enjoy and do not be afraid to talk smack!

1. Why do you think Americans were violently targeting minorities during World War II?

2. Adolf Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Empire, a regime with white supremacist ideals. How do you think he would react to these pictures?

3. (For this question use the “anti- Japanese propaganda” pictures) How are the Japanese portrayed in the Anti-Japanese propaganda advertisements? Why are they depicted in such manner?

4. Why is the WWII generation considered the ‘greatest generation’ if there was rampant racism within the United States? Why do you think World War II brought about racial, xenophobia ideals? Explain.

Dr. Seuss’ promotional poster of Adolf Hitler, German leader and General Tojo, Japanese military leader: Why is Hitler portrayed as elite, and snobby? Why is Tojo depicted in a goofy, idiotic fashion? Could race/ culture be a factor as to why they are represented in such a way?

Japanese Americans

Blamed for Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans endured massive racism. Because of this, many Japanese Americans were forced to enter Concentration Camps /Internment Camps. These camps were dirty, small, and in barren desolate areas in the Western U.S.

Desolate camps in western American states…

Dr. Seuss war propaganda for the US War Dept. Notice the racist connotation that All Japanese will attack the U.S.

Japanese American homes vandalized once they returned from the Camps…

*Anti Japanese Propaganda (to be used for question 3)…

African Americans

FDR’s efforts to help African Americans was tremendous, as he promoted business to hire Blacks. African Americans were given opportunities to work in the war effort, however, many companies used Blacks as menial labor, (janitorial, custodial…) and not for manufacturing positions. This unfairness sparked riots in cities such as New York, and Detroit. As usual, African Americans were overwhelmingly jailed more than whites…

Popular anti black pamphlet passed out in the neighborhood…

Mexican Americans

Zoot Suits were a popular fashion worn by Mexican American. during WWII. The style of dress was familiar to African Americans who wore similar fashions during the 1920s. Like African Americans, Zoot Suiters were fond of dancing, and jazz music. Even though these Mexican American young adults were able to showcase their fashion style, white Americans detested this way of dress. Because White Servicemen were not used to the brash, confident style of the Chicano youth, Anglos and Mexican Americans soon clashed, and erupted in to a summer long riot. As usual, Most of the arrests were of Mexican American, by over a 5-1 ratio.

Service men looking to beat some ‘greasy Mexicans’

Policemen forcing Mexican American men to take off their ‘pachuco’ style suits. The ZOOT SUIT was deemed illegal to wear by the L.A. Mayor.

Women doing their part

War production (making war goods like bullets, armor, ships, etc…) . Although women proved to be just as effective as men in the work place, they were still poorly teated- as many women were subjected to lower pay, bad treatment, and prejudice by jealous men.

Propaganda

Women’s Air Service pilots (WASP): female test pilots. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wife, Eleanor, felt women were needed to contribute in areas, other than blue collar labor.

Women test pilots were subjected to bigoted treatment by men, including sabotaging their planes for failure- putting sugar in the gas tanks of planes.

Women received lower pay and non military status, only civilian status, as this photo says below (no benefits).

Notice the logo’s sexual connotation for being female pilots. Do the male pilots have a log showing THEIR ‘sexual advantages.’