You must then read your classmates’ responses. After you have read their responses, you must respond to TWO of your classmates by the last day of the academic week at 11:59 pm ET. These are called your PEER RESPONSES. Each Peer Response is worth 10 points and should be 100 words in length, which is equal to about 0.4 page of double-spaced writing in Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman 12 point font in a Word document.
Response 1
World War II had a profound impact on gender roles, challenging traditional norms and opening up new opportunities for women in the workforce. We’ve learned that the war necessitated a massive mobilization effort, and with a significant portion of the male population deployed, there was a crucial need for women to fill roles traditionally held by men. In the
The American Yawp article
, we see the “We Can Do It!” poster. This poster is commonly associated with Rosie the Riveter, reflects this transformation. The iconic image portrays a strong and capable woman in work attire, symbolizing the idea that women could contribute effectively to the war effort in industrial and manufacturing roles.
This shift challenged the pre-war perception of women’s roles primarily as homemakers and caretakers. Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, taking on jobs in factories, shipyards, and other industries vital to the war effort. The article, by Katherine Turk, “A Fair Chance To Do My Part of Work” delves into the societal changes during this period, discussing how women’s roles expanded beyond domestic spheres. However, despite these advancements, it is crucial to acknowledge that these opportunities were not equally distributed among women. The double challenge faced by African American women who not only contributed to the war effort but also fought against racial segregation and discrimination within the workforce. This reinforces the notion that while World War II transformed and challenged traditional gender roles, it also exposed and perpetuated racial disparities within the broader context of women’s wartime experiences (2012).
In summary, World War II marked a significant transformation in gender roles, challenging traditional norms by necessitating women’s increased participation in the workforce. However, this transformation was not uniform, as racial disparities persisted, emphasizing the complex interplay between gender and race during this pivotal period in history.
References:
Special message to the Congress presenting a 21-Point program for the reconversion period. (n.d.). Welcome to The American Presidency Project | The American Presidency Project.
Turk, K. (2012). “A Fair Chance To Do My Part of Work.”
Indiana Magazine of History, 209–244.
24. World War II | The American yawp. (n.d.). The American Yawp.
Response 2
The question “How did WWII challenge race roles?” is not only about racial dynamics but also about exploring the contradictory policies of the U.S. government and the extensive powers of the presidency.
In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a progressive stride with Executive Order 8802, which prohibited racial discrimination in the defense industry. This order, influenced by African American leaders like A. Philip Randolph, was a crucial step towards racial equality and demonstrated a positive use of executive power that aligned with America’s values of freedom and equality.
However, presidential powers’ complex and contradictory nature becomes evident when we consider the following year’s events. In 1942, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order No. 9066, which led to the internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans. This order directly contradicted the principles upheld just a year before and highlighted the alarming extent of executive authority and its impact on civil liberties.
The dichotomy of these executive actions during WWII reflects the broader historical narrative of presidential power in America. As discussed in the Smithsonian article “Power and the Presidency, From Kennedy to Obama,” the scope and consequences of presidential decisions have shaped crucial aspects of American history and policy. This historical perspective underscores the importance of scrutinizing executive powers, particularly their potential to enact both progressive reforms and regressive policies.
In conclusion, WWII’s challenge to race roles was deeply influenced by the contradictory actions of the U.S. government, driven by the significant and, at times, daunting powers of the presidency. These historical events emphasize the need for ongoing assessment and vigilance regarding executive actions to ensure they align with the core principles of justice, equality, and liberty.
References
1. Herzig-Yoshinaga, A. (1994). Aiko Herzig-Yoshinaga on Japanese Internment (1942/1994). In
The American Yawp Reader. Retrieved from
2. Roosevelt, F. D. (1942). Executive Order No. 9066. In
The American Yawp Reader. Retrieved from
3. Randolph, A. P., & Roosevelt, F. D. (1941). A. Philip Randolph and Franklin Roosevelt on Racial Discrimination in the Defense Industry. In
The American Yawp Reader. Retrieved from
4. Digital History. (n.d.). Executive Order 8802: Prohibition of Discrimination in the Defense Industry (1941). Retrieved from
5. Zelizer, J. E. (2011, April). Power and the Presidency, From Kennedy to Obama.
Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved from