Big Picture

1. Why was World War II so good for the economy?
   • Who enjoyed increased job opportunities during the war?
     • How did the federal government facilitate the entrance of more women and African Americans into the workforce?
   • Could the federal government stimulate similar economic expansion during peace time?
2. Why were the Japanese singularly targeted for detainment?
   • Why weren't people of Italian or German heritage?
   • Was it their geographic consolidation?
   • Their proximity to the west coast?
   • Their identifiability?
   • Racism?
3. Was the "home front" experience of America's allies similar?
   • Did England's and Russia's economies boom?
     • Did their citizens enjoy full employment?
   • Were there any housing problems or race riots in these countries?
4. Was the Detroit riot the deadliest event of the war on American soil after Pearl Harbor?
5. Overall, how did the wartime experience of American civilians differ from that of European civilians?