How World War II Transformed the United States Society and Economy - Essay Example

?How World War II Transformed the United s Society and Economy World War II is one event in history that can never be forgotten. It has left theworld with mournful memories of death, depression, and destruction that can never be buried in oblivion. The United States of America managed to survive WWII. The nation’s survival to one of the most dreadful events in world history made America a powerful nation ever to influence the rest of the world up to this day. WWII is indeed a defining moment for a nation suffering from the “agonies of the Great Depression” (Kennedy xi). After the Second World War, the U.S. became the standard of power and economic prosperity. Until now, many nations want to establish diplomatic relations with the country in order to keep that connection with the world’s most influential nation. How the U.S. transformed itself to gaining this coveted position is being traced to its significant participation in the Second World War. In the beginning, the U.S. did not want to compromise anything just to prove something to the world. The American government was seriously dealing with the dilemmas of the Great Depression (Kennedy xi) and its own national problems. There was no intention to engage in an all out battle against Germany, Japan, or Italy if not due to the attacks made by the Japanese Military on the US Naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Therefore, the country was provoked to defend itself because it had a valid reason to resort to such a courageous action. However, instead of plotting revenge against Japan, the U.S. wanted to begin with defeating the cause of the problem, which is the then Nazi-dominated Europe (“Wartime Strategy”). Uncle Sam was more worried in regard to the possibility of the German scientists inventing weapons of mass destruction than the possible attacks of the Japanese Military (“Wartime Strategy”). Hence, it was a decision the U.S. had to make for the sake of its future and people. World War II ended after six years leaving the world with trauma. However, this ending marked the start of a renewed America, perhaps the momentum of monumental change for the once isolationist nation. Americans have realized the value of life, probably for the reason that they have seen the vast impact of the war on their country. Women began to realize how they may help the society by being part of the country's workforce. This past event is one reason why the U.S is open minded in terms of sharing responsibilities between the male and female members of the household. Freedom is apparent because the Americans themselves recognize its importance by allowing the members of society to taking part in making their communities a better place to live. WWII has, therefore, changed the perception of the American Society regarding the equal roles of men and women. Thus, this change fueled the American society to becoming liberal in making crucial decisions that are necessary for their survival. Slavery in the United States was also one crucial part of its history. African Americans were then forced to become slaves to the White Americans, and were not given equal rights by the government. The ending of slavery was something that the African Americans had yearned many years ago alongside with the ending of extreme discrimination. African American longed for freedom, which was later on granted by the American government at the onset of WWII. Many Blacks were given the chance to serve in the army, which had in some ways lifted their status in society during the Second World War. In addition, WWII had, in some ways, diminished racial inequality in a place that is inhabited by varying ethnicities, like America. Even if they suffered from discrimination after their return from the war, opportunities for the African-Americans increased as legislations, such as the 1965 Civil Rights Act, as well as the Fair Housing Act of 1968, were enacted (Frazier and Tettey-Fio 85). Eventually, the enforcement of these Legislations enhanced the economic status of the Blacks, which led to an increasing number of the Black middle class (Frazier and Tettey-Fio 85). Diversely, the rise of population in the suburbs has also taken place after the Second World War. Because African-Americans were earning higher income, they have also migrated to America’s suburbs to experience suburban living. Government controls and regulation have risen due to the nation’s involvement in WWII. Government agencies were established to monitor wartime production, regulate prices in case of inflation, and control war goods production (Leman). Later on, the U.S. reaped the benefits from the revenues and war bond sales that increased government earnings. Since that day, the U.S. economy improved and gradually boomed, thanks to industrial production (Leman). Both Whites and Blacks migrated to rural areas as job opportunities abound. Industrial centers and production increased alongside with advancements in wartime technology that have, as well, vitalized the nation’s economy (Leman). WW2 enlivened the nation’s industrial sector with the US economy benefiting from this transformation. This event paved the way to the occurrence of the second great migration in the US. African Americans left the South and migrated to Northern cities to seek for greener pastures. From that day on, African Americans were able to improve their status in society, and were already becoming an essential part of the workforce of the different industries. In spite of the devastation WWII has caused to the world, it became a vital catalyst of transformation that made America stronger. Women became empowered as they were able to impart their skills by working in companies, in the industrial sector. Minorities have, as well, shown their capabilities as they were given the chance to help in war productions. In addition, the effect of racial discrimination on African-Americans lessened as they became involved in the military. They have become active and did not fear in socializing with the Whites due to the enactment of Legislations that have helped them deal with the challenges of discrimination. In truth, the positive impact of WWII to the U.S. society and the economy is indubitable. Although the lives of many brave soldiers had to be given up to defend the nation from the aggressors, their sacrifices were paid off by admirable events that changed the lives of the American people. Economic prosperity and improvements in the relationship between the White and Black Americans are only among the beautiful things the WWII has left the U.S. because, in reality, WWII made America a role model nation that is willing to fight for what is right, at the right time, and in the right way possible. Works Cited Frazier, John W. and Eugene L. Tettey-Fio. Race, Ethnicity, and Place in a Changing America. Binghamton, NY: Global Academic Publishing, 2006. Print. Kennedy, David M. The American People in World War II: Freedom from Fear. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1999. Print. Leman, Christie. "About the U.S. Economy during WWII." eHow. eHow.com, 2012. Web. 28 Nov. 2012. . "Wartime Strategy." U.S. History Pre-Columbian to the New Millenium. ushistory.org, 2012. Web. 28 nov. 2012. . Read More