Adapting to War Time Essay

1

The U.S. adapted to wartime needs during WWII by mobilizing people for war (drafting and enlisting men to be soldiers), opening factors to build machines for war, raising funding for the war by introducing war bonds, and relying on volunteers to help civil defense government programs. The Office of Civilian Defense was established to help keep communities safe. The Civil Air Patrol was started to empower civilians to patrol the borders and coasts. Women also started working in factories to support the war effort while the men were off training and fighting. Immigrants from Mexico were also brought in to help with the farming. Even the black community, which beforehand had continued to be marginalized under Jim Crow, was recruited to join the war effort and enlist as soldiers. The film The Negro Soldier was a big hit during WWII as it promoted the dignity of the African American for the first time in cinematic history in the United States.

2

The government and people of the USA adapted to wartime needs by tightening their belts and relying on solidarity and a unified effort and vision to get the job done. Once Pearl Harbor was attacked, there was a united spirit to support the war effort. This meant rationing food and buying treasuries also known as war bonds to help finance the Defense Department. It meant enlisting in the military to supply the human capital needed to fight the enemy abroad. Many celebrities—actors, directors, professional athletes and so on—enlisted to fight the Good War, as it was called. The government created new organizations to assist in the war effort and relied on volunteers to pitch in with security and factory work. This was the first time, for instance, women took an active role in working outside the home in the factories.