1. Overview. Briefly describe Orson Wells' broadcast. How did people respond and why? (Lecture) What is the significance of World War II for America's political and economic history?
2. The Road to War. Describe the various American responses to the coming of World War II. How did FDR and Willkie's differ in the 1940 election? What were the Lend-lease Act and the Atlantic Charter?
3. The Attack on Pearl Harbor. Why did the US avoid taking a stand on the war in Europe? What was Japan doing in Asia at this time. What Japanese action caused the US to cut off trade with Japan? What was the Japanese response? What impact did Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor have upon the American people?
4. Organizing for Victory. How did the mobilization for work affect the federal government and its relation to business? Describe the increase in federal expenditures and personnel and the changing view toward the role of the government in fiscal policies. How was the war financed? Describe the activities of the War Production Board. (Lecture: How was the West affected?
5. . How much of federal spending did California secure during the war? How did this spending affect CA? Which of its industries were affected? How many people were employed in these industries? How was LA affected? (Lecture & Handout)
6.What role did Henry Kaiser play in obtaining contracts, building industrial plants, and securing labor in this region? (Henretta & Lecture)
7. Mobilizing the American Fighting Force. Describe the growth of the four branches of the military. Describe the role and treatment of blacks, Mexican Americans, and Women in the military.
8. Workers and the War Effort. Describe the roles of the following groups in the war effort: women, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Japanese Americans. Describe how the war impacted the American public as a whole.
Shift to the Migration