Introduction
Even though the World War II events did not take place in the United States, the country experienced some changes during wartime. For example, women were actively involved in the workforce as a part of economic mobilization. More than six million females started working during World War II, and for many, it was the first official occupation (Texas Gateway, n.d.). Since many men were enlisted in the US armed forces, women were hired to replace them, which denoted that females dealt with masculine jobs. Furthermore, many females voluntarily or forcefully joined the armed forces (Rust, 2021). This information demonstrates that World War II significantly affected American women.
Effect on Minorities
World War II implied versatile effects on ethnic minorities in the US. African Americans faced increased opportunities because these individuals were actively enlisted in the armed forces and participated in economic mobilization (Rust, 2021). The same was true for Mexican Americans because they obtained an opportunity to serve in the army and legally work in the US (Texas Gateway, n.d.). Native Americans made a difference on the battlefield because they used their native languages to transmit secret information (Rust, 2021). This fact made American society respect the native population more. The Pearl Harbor attack made society suspicious of Japanese Americans, and the latter were placed in internment camps (Texas Gateway, n.d.). This process was negative for this ethnic group, and many representatives lost their homes and businesses because of it.
Effect on Workers and Farmers
Many workers and farmers were enlisted in the US armed forces, which denoted that the remaining workforce was expected to satisfy the social and army needs. A wartime economy was established, and workers focused on the production of military vehicles and equipment (Texas Gateway, n.d.). At that time, overworking and challenging working conditions were typical. Farmers and individuals were encouraged to grow victory gardens and can or preserve fruits and vegetables (Texas Gateway, n.d.). These efforts were massively promoted, which allowed the US to garner over eight million tons of food (Texas Gateway, n.d.). The described approach was successful because it helped the United States overcome the Great Depression.
Conclusion
The US is the only state that has used an atomic bomb. In 1945, it dropped two nuclear bombs on Japanese Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which immediately killed more than 100,000 people (Browne & Andrew, 2019). The total figure of those killed and injured is significantly higher. President Harry S. Truman justified his decisions by the fact that the bombs helped save 250,000 Allied troops and 250,000 Japanese if the decision to invade this country had been made (Browne & Andrew, 2019). In any case, the bombing affected Japan, and the country unconditionally agreed to surrender. Thus, it is possible to mention that dropping bombs on the two Japanese cities contributed to the end of World War II.
References
Browne, R., & Andrew, S. (2019). Why the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. CNN.
Rust, O. (2021). Benefits & rights: World War II’s sociocultural impact. The Collector.
Texas Gateway. (n.d.). World War II impact on US economy and society.