WWII Impact on African Americans
Matt S. Grace M. Nathan P. Grant L. Mike S. Jack M.
Key TermsDouble V Campaign: campaign in which black leaders called for all citizens to fight against racism by seeking a “double victory”- victory for democracy at home and abroad
Tuskegee Airmen: A group of Army Air Corps pilots and support crews, established in 1941 as the first black combat unit
Hardships ★Military camps segregated blacks and
whites in places such as mess halls and movie theaters
★The navy limited African Americans to cooking, cleaning rooms, and shining shoes.
Hardships (cont.)➔ African Americans faced white backlash,
race riots broke out in many cities across the country as black migrants competed with white residents for housing and jobs
➔ African Americans faced other hardships such as lack of housing, social services, and ongoing discrimination
Opportunities
The African Americans fought two victories such as the double v
campaign which tried to get racism out of
Germany and the U.S.
The National Urban League tried to oppose discrimination, they faught the integrate
labor unions, and pushed federal officials
to ensure equal opportunity.
Opportunities (cont.)
❖ During WWII, African Americans pressed the
government to end military discrimination. Over time, the armed services gave more black soldiers the
opportunity to engage in combat and to become
officers.
❖ African Americans also proved they could handle the most
demanding assignments in the war. The group of fighters that proved this were known as the Tuskegee Airmen. They served as bomber escorts, engaging in direct combat with german
fighter planes. They were known for their bravery and
skill; they never lost a bomber to enemy planes
ConclusionAfrican Americans faced hardships in many different ways during World War II. Whether they were risking
their lives on the battlefield, or living daily lives in their country, they faced racism and segregation. However, they still were able to strive in making opportunities such as becoming official officers and surviving the
toughest parts of the war. In the end, with the help of the National Urban League, African Americans achieved two
victories: the double v campaign which tried to get racism out of Germany, and the U.S. that is shaping the
history of America as we speak.
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