WWII: Big Question: Is there such a thing as a “good” war?

1. WWII:Big Question: Is there such a thing as a “good” war? Notes: American Servicemen, Wartime Government, Wartime Consumers, Women at War

2. American Servicemen • American Servicemen were called GIs, originally meant “Government Issue”, and it was stamped on all uniforms and supplies • GIs began their service in training campsthat taught the new recruits to drill, use weapons, and work together as a fighting team • Less than half were then sent overseas • Life in combat was difficult for servicemen - no beds, toilet paper, or showers and rations consisted of dried or canned foods

3. Wartime Government • When WWII began, the government needed to transform the nation from a consumer economy to an “arsenal of democracy” • FDR set up the War Production Board that directed factories to produce war materials and organized drives to collect iron, tin cans, paper, rags, and cooking fat • The Labor War Board prevented strikes in companies or factories • The sale of bonds provided the government with money for the war • The Office of War Information controlled the information the public received

4. Wartime Consumers • American consumers experienced shortages during the war • Rationing items like sugar, meat, and coffee were strictly enforced • Americans planted victory gardensto supplement their food supplies • Clothing were designed to preserve cloth – women’s skirts were made without pleats and men’s pants without pockets (pocketless pants) or cuffs

5. Women at War • When the war began, businesses feared that there would not be enough workers to provide labor for war industries • 6 million women entered the workforce to replace men in service • Although women earned less paythan men and faced difficulties in defense plant work, they appreciated the new opportunities • Other women joined the military, where they were given noncombat assignmentsor trained as nurses