World War II Key Figures and Concepts

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War Production Board (WPB)

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Government agency that decided which companies would make war materials and how to distribute raw materials

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Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)

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Civil rights group formed by Japanese Americans

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Reaction to Pearl Harbor

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Americans reacted with rage, and "Remember Pearl Harbor" became a rallying cry

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Military Volunteering

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Five million men volunteered for military service after Pearl Harbor

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Impact of the war on African Americans

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Faced discrimination but gained opportunities; A. Philip Randolph led efforts to end discrimination.

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Fair Employment Practices Committee

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Created by Roosevelt to require employers and labor unions to end discrimination.

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African Americans in the Midwest

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Moved for skilled jobs but faced discrimination, leading to race riots in 1943.

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Mexican Americans during the war

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Experienced prejudice and were involved in "zoot-suit" riots in 1943.

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Executive Order by President Roosevelt.

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On February 19, 1942, President Roosevelt ordered the internment of Japanese Americans in California and other western states.

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Role of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL).

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JACL pushed for compensation for those sent to internment camps.