life in post war america

• What was the impact of the Second World War on women in America?

  It significantly increased their workforce participation.
• How did the Second World War affect African Americans?

  It led to gradual easing of discrimination.
• How many women served in the army or air force during the war?

  200,000 women served.
• How many women served in the WAVES?

  150,000 women served in the WAVES.
• How many women were accepted into the SPARS?

  84,000 women were accepted into the SPARS.
• What was the status of African American women in the military before the war?

  They could only treat black soldiers.
• What change occurred regarding black servicemen during the war?

  Discrimination against them began to ease.
• What significant event did A. Philip Randolph organize in 1941?

  A march on Washington.
• What was the purpose of the Fair Employment Practice Committee (FEPC)?

  To investigate discrimination in employment.
• What was the conclusion of the FEPC regarding African American employment?

  75% of firms discriminated against them.
• What did President Harry S. Truman order in 1948?

  Racial equality in the military.
• What was the employment rate of American women in 1939?

  1 in 5 American women had a job.
• What was the employment rate of American women in 1945?

  1 in 3 American women had a job.
• How did women's work during the war affect their societal roles?

  It increased their economic independence.
• What social change occurred for married women during the war?

  More married women began to work.
• What opportunities did women gain in 1945?

  Social and sexual opportunities for freedom.
• What did the rise of feminism among educated women signify?

  Increased independence and freedom.
• How many African Americans served in the armed forces during the war?

  Around 1 million African Americans served.
• How many African Americans were killed in action during the war?

  Around 5,000 were killed in action.
• What was common in the military before the Second World War?

  Segregation was common in the military.
• What was the status of black soldiers in the military?

  They served in segregated units.
• What discrimination did black servicemen face?

  Discrimination in promotion and training.
• What did Roosevelt agree to in response to Randolph's march?

  To prevent discrimination in government contracts.
• What was the role of government in the post-war economy?

  It helped the economy thrive.
• What did government provide for servicemen after the war?

  Loans and grants for housing and education.
• How did military spending impact the economy?

  It helped to boost the economy.
• What was the birth rate trend in the US after the war?

  The birth rate shot upward dramatically.
• How many children were born between 1946 and 1964?

  More than 65 million children were born.
• Why did many couples wait to have children after the war?

  They waited until they could afford children.
• What percentage of Americans lived in poverty despite economic growth?

  About a quarter of Americans lived in poverty.
• What was the income disparity between whites and non-whites?

  Non-whites earned about half of white earnings.
• What was the average income of an American family in 1950?

  $3,000 a year after tax.
• How did the number of homes change from 1950?

  It increased from 20 million to 32 million.
• What appliances did the average American family have in 1950?

  Cars, phones, TVs, fridges, washing machines.
• What was the impact of shopping malls in post-war America?

  They spread across America for shopping.
• What was the wage disparity for women compared to men?

  Women had lower wages than men.
• What was the wage disparity for non-whites compared to whites?

  Non-whites earned 56% of white wages.
• What societal expectation was placed on many women during the 1950s?

  To stay home and care for children.
• What challenges did women face in pursuing careers?

  Intense discrimination against professional success.
• What was the living condition for many Native Americans during this period?

  They lived in poverty on reservations.