Question

How did WWII impact African Americans at home?

Answer 1

African-Americans were welcomed into certain branches of the armed forces in this war, but, like other wars, there was discrimination and segregation.  Soldiers still fought in segregated units throughout the war, but there were advances in the number of commissioned officers.  Other forms of racism included barring African-Americans from the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Army Air Corps, and the Navy only allowed African-Americans as mess men.  These conditions were not promising, and these policies have been called “Jim Crow military”.  Some changes were made with the 1940 Selective Service Training Act which stated that all men between 18 and 36, regardless of race, were eligible to volunteer in naval and ground forces without fear of discrimination.  It also prohibited racial and/or color discrimination in selection and training of military personnel.  This act attempted to change the makeup of the military, but it did not address the underlying issues present such as stereotypes and racism.

African-American soldiers noted the irony and hypocrisy of fighting for freedom and democracy in Europe when they could not enjoy those same privileges in their own country.  This sentiment led to the Double V campaign which worked to end discrimination at home and ensure democracy abroad.  At home this movement was maintained by discrimination in the defense industries and labor unions; racist housing practices were also noted and attempts to change these were part of the Double V campaign.  African-American rights were directly tied to European emancipation.