World War II: Life at Home

World War II was a devastating war, and it changed the world. The American homefront would never be the same as thousands of people did everything they could to support the war effort. Other people's lives were thrown into chaos because they were not viewed as Americans, but as threats to national security. A full-size ration book with stamps, front pages of newspapers, the Declaration of War on Japan, advertisements on conserving fats, a canteen welcome card, documents about labor strikes and prejudice in the workplace, dozens of photos and other documents bring to life the American home front during WWII. Students will enjoy the description of the American experiences as welders who made tanks, students who gathered scrap, and citizens who served in the civil defense. The inconsistencies of mistreatment of black and Japanese U.S. citizens are also included. This portfolio includes a Study Guide with reproducible student activities and a detailed timeline of important events between 1929 and 1945. A recommended reading list allows student to follow the subject into other resources. 5 Illustrated Broadsheet Essays: * Before the War * America Goes to War * Living with Rationing * Division in America * The Home Front after Victory 15 Primary Source Documents: * Congressional Record, December 8, 1941 * Front page, San Francisco Call Bulletin, December 9, 1941 * Excerpts from Rhode Island "Citizens' Defense Manual" * Identification cards for Civil Defense and Aircraft Warning Service * War Production Board advertisement on conserving fats * War Ration Book Four, 1943 * Letter written during the month meat rationing began, 1943 * OWI publication, "The Negroes' Role in the War," 1943 * Letter from National Federation for Constitutional Liberties about race riots, 1943 * Issue of The Home Front, Connecticut War Council, 1943 * CIO canteen welcome card * National Munitions Company strike documents, 1943 * Case study, Bendix Aviation and workplace prejudice * Newspaper advertisements, 1941 and 1945 * Front page, San Francisco Call Bulletin, August 15, 1945