Introduction

On December 7th 1941, Japanese airplanes attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by surprise. During the attack, 19 military vessels were destroyed and over 2300 casualties lost their lives on what was supposed to be a Sunday of gathering. The following day, December 8th 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the infamous “A date which will live in infamy” speech, which brought Americans together to prepare for war. Following President Roosevelt’s decision, U.S. Congress approved the declaration of entry of the United States into World War II. Shortly after, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. With the decision and patriotism of the American population, the anti-war isolationist movement ended. Many dedicated men and women rushed to recruiting stations to sign up for the war.

The American population at home participated in the war effort by practicing blackouts at night, particularly in the coastal towns and cities. One of the safeguards in the war effort was to turn the lights off at night to avoid becoming a target for enemy aircraft. This practice was done as a reminder to civilians to participate in the war effort. These safeguards encouraged civilians at home to protect American soil with honor.

More than any war before, Americans showed their patriotism and cheered on the war efforts to guarantee victory in World War II. Celebrities and the everyday population were a major part of the victorious war effort. As a group, the following information has been gathered to show the significance of the role Americans played in World War II.

Many men were sent off to fight in the war, this left women to do the jobs they left behind. Such jobs as building airplanes, ships and providing consumer goods were now filled by women. In this era, the role of a woman dramatically changed as she was viewed more independently and in a sense the bread winner. A female living in this time period now had a great deal of confidence, responsibility, and drive due to her efforts in maintaining a household and providing in the war effort. Without the persistence of women, it is questionable that America would have been victorious. We can also state that during this time there was a revolution in a woman’s role in everyday American life.

During World War II, America was so united that even Hollywood played a role in the fight against the axis forces in Europe. Major media and the government joined forces to present the official view of the war effort. At theaters nationwide, movies of war were filmed with the intent to encourage patriotism. Such movie stars as Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable were viewed as heroes. Movies helped to shape the public and provide instruction on being a patriotic citizen and even transform behaviors and attitudes. Never before or thereafter have we seen Hollywood as a whole so involved and supportive of our nation during war.

War Bonds sponsored by the U.S. Government were provided to the public with the intent to raise needed money to fund the war effort. Thereafter, such efforts as celebrity sponsored war bond drives were extremely successful in raising money. Many famous and successful promotions of war bonds include Disney, who created cartoon shorts. The most successful and recognized of the cartoon shorts featured a picture of Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse or Goofy wearing a Navy or Army cap. Not only were these cartoons patriotic but they also brought laughter in a time of crisis to many American families.

With so many supplies needed to fight the war in Europe, there was often a shortage. Items such as tires were required to be rationed due to the shortage of rubber. By November of 1943, the United States government made the recommendation to U.S. citizens to budget on items such as shoes, gasoline, various types of meats and other items that are used in everyday life. The war itself required Americans to produce and manufacture many goods for our troops and our allies. This provided an economic boom throughout factories across the United States, most notably those that manufactured steel, gasoline, and canned foods. With the war efforts, Americans were also provided work and community service which put Americans on a pedestal from a patriotic standpoint.

Team Leader: Glenna P. Assistant Leader: Shawna P. Technical Support: Bryn N.