🤠Texas History Unit 6 – World War II and the Mid–20th Century

Key Events and Timeline

• World War II began in 1939 with Germany's invasion of Poland and ended in 1945 with the surrender of Germany and Japan
• The attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7, 1941 led to the United States entering the war
• Major battles included the Battle of Midway (1942), D-Day (1944), and the Battle of the Bulge (1944-1945)
• The Manhattan Project, which began in 1942, led to the development of the atomic bomb
  • First atomic bomb test took place on July 16, 1945 in New Mexico (Trinity Test)
• Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of the war
• The Potsdam Conference in July-August 1945 established post-war order and divided Germany into occupation zones
• The Nuremberg Trials (1945-1946) prosecuted Nazi war criminals for their actions during the war

Major Figures and Leaders

• Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States during most of the war, led the country's war effort until his death in 1945
• Harry S. Truman became President after Roosevelt's death and made the decision to use atomic bombs against Japan
• Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe, led the successful D-Day invasion and campaign against Germany
• Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was a key ally and leader in the fight against Nazi Germany
• Adolf Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany, initiated the war and oversaw the Holocaust
  • Committed suicide in his bunker as Soviet troops approached Berlin in April 1945
• Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union, was a crucial ally in defeating Germany despite initial non-aggression pact with Hitler
• Hideki Tojo, Prime Minister of Japan during most of the war, was responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbor and the war in the Pacific

Global Impact on Texas

• Many Texans served in the armed forces during the war, with over 750,000 enlisted
• Texas became a major center for military training, with numerous bases and facilities established throughout the state
  • Examples include Fort Hood, Camp Mabry, and Randolph Air Force Base
• The state's economy shifted to support the war effort, with increased production of oil, gas, and agricultural products
• Wartime demand led to a boom in manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace and shipbuilding industries
  • Consolidated Aircraft Corporation in Fort Worth produced over 3,000 B-24 Liberator bombers
• The Port of Houston became a vital hub for shipping supplies and troops to the European and Pacific theaters
• Texas hosted nearly 80,000 German prisoners of war in camps across the state, providing labor for agriculture and industry

Economic Changes in Texas

• World War II brought an end to the Great Depression in Texas, as wartime demand stimulated economic growth
• The state's oil and gas industry expanded rapidly to meet the needs of the military, with Texas supplying a significant portion of the nation's fuel
• Agriculture remained a key sector, with Texas farmers and ranchers providing food for the war effort
  • The Rio Grande Valley became a major producer of citrus fruits and vegetables
• Manufacturing grew significantly, particularly in the aerospace, electronics, and chemical industries
  • Texas Instruments, founded in 1951, emerged as a leader in electronics and semiconductors
• Urbanization accelerated as people moved to cities for jobs in factories and offices
• Infrastructure projects, such as the construction of highways and airports, laid the foundation for post-war economic growth

Social and Cultural Shifts

• World War II led to significant changes in Texas society and culture
• Women entered the workforce in large numbers to fill jobs left vacant by men serving in the military
  • Rosie the Riveter became a cultural icon representing women's contributions to the war effort
• African Americans faced continued discrimination and segregation, despite their service in the armed forces
  • The Double V Campaign advocated for victory over fascism abroad and racism at home
• Mexican Americans also served in the military and worked in war industries, but faced discrimination and segregation
  • The Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles (1943) highlighted tensions between Mexican Americans and servicemen
• The war exposed Texans to new ideas and experiences, as soldiers returned home with broadened perspectives
• Post-war prosperity and the GI Bill enabled many veterans to attend college and buy homes, fueling the growth of the middle class

Texas's Role in the War Effort

• Texas played a crucial role in the United States' war effort during World War II
• The state was a major center for military training, with numerous bases and facilities established to prepare soldiers for combat
  • Over 1 million soldiers trained at Texas bases during the war
• Texas oil fields and refineries supplied a significant portion of the fuel needed for the war effort
  • The Big Inch and Little Big Inch pipelines were built to transport oil from Texas to the East Coast
• Agriculture and ranching remained vital, with Texas providing food for the military and civilian population
  • The King Ranch supplied over 800,000 pounds of beef to the armed forces
• Shipbuilding became a significant industry, with the Houston Shipbuilding Corporation producing over 350 vessels
• Texas companies and universities contributed to technological advancements, such as radar and medical research
  • The University of Texas at Austin conducted research on radar and sonar technology

Post-War Developments

• Texas experienced significant growth and change in the post-war years
• The GI Bill provided education and housing benefits to returning veterans, fueling the expansion of colleges and universities
  • Enrollment at the University of Texas at Austin doubled between 1945 and 1946
• The rise of the middle class and suburbanization transformed the state's cities and landscapes
  • Levittown-style housing developments sprouted up around major cities like Houston and Dallas
• The oil and gas industry continued to drive the state's economy, with new discoveries and technologies expanding production
  • The offshore oil industry emerged in the Gulf of Mexico, with the first offshore well drilled in 1947
• The space race and the Cold War led to the growth of the aerospace and defense industries in Texas
  • NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston became the center of the nation's space program
• Civil rights movements gained momentum, challenging segregation and discrimination in Texas and across the nation
  • The Sweatt v. Painter decision in 1950 opened the door for desegregation of higher education in Texas

Legacy and Long-Term Effects

• World War II had far-reaching and long-lasting effects on Texas and its people
• The war accelerated the state's transition from a primarily rural and agricultural economy to a more urban and industrialized one
  • Manufacturing, technology, and service sectors grew in importance, diversifying the state's economy
• The post-war boom in population and economic growth set the stage for Texas's emergence as a major center of business and industry
  • Texas became known for its pro-business climate and low taxes, attracting companies and investors
• The war and its aftermath also brought social and cultural changes, as Texans grappled with issues of race, gender, and identity
  • The civil rights movement led to the desegregation of schools and public spaces, though progress was often slow and contentious
• The experiences of Texans during the war, both at home and abroad, shaped the state's identity and sense of patriotism
  • The sacrifices and contributions of Texans were memorialized in monuments, museums, and cultural traditions
• The legacy of World War II continues to influence Texas politics, society, and culture, serving as a reminder of the state's role in a pivotal moment in history