Economic Effects of World War II

Students delve deeply into aspects of World War II’s economic effects on the United States, including changes in employment, fiscal matters, and population distribution. Next, they look closely at rationing from the policy perspective and from the point of view of those experiencing rationing. Finally, they learn more about wartime population redistribution, especially the impact on African Americans.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Economic Effects of World War II:

Attributions
The American Economy During World War II
Background reading
The Way We Won: America’s Economic Breakthrough During World War II
Background reading

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students delve deeply into aspects of World War II’s economic effects on the United States, including changes in employment, fiscal matters, and population distribution. Next, they look closely at rationing from the policy perspective and from the point of view of those experiencing rationing. Finally, they learn more about wartime population redistribution, especially the impact on African Americans.

Objective

Describe how World War II led to economic recovery from the Great Depression.

sign saying, "Official copper, brass, bronze depot

Sign for metals recycling depot, 1941 (prewar)

War causes great suffering, but it can also have a positive effect on a nation’s economy. A nation at war has to produce a lot of materials to support its armed forces. To produce those materials, businesses have to grow and expand, employing more people. In this experience, you’ll learn many details about the changing economic situation in the United States during World War II.

Objective

Describe how World War II led to economic recovery from the Great Depression.

poster saying, "from mine to firing line, more production"

Wartime production poster, 1941

Imagine that you’re an adult living and working in the United States in 1940 or early 1941. For almost a decade you have lived in an economic depression. Sometimes you’ve worked, and sometimes you’ve been unemployed. Your wages have always been low. Then, the United States and another country declare war on each other.

How do you think the beginning of a war would affect you and your family economically? Why?

Post your answer

Ask for volunteers to present their ideas. The main idea is that for the majority of Americans and for the nation as a whole, the war was a much-needed economic boost.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in World War II Unit.