World War II and the Effects on African-Americans and Japenese-Americans
             It really is not a outstanding statement to say the World War II affected many American lives. How could an all encompassing war not affect every person in America? The extent to which the war influenced the lives of the African-American and the Japenese-American races can be argued to be far greater than many others. The African-American's basis for the civil rights movement was a result of the progress made within the war effort, and the treatment of Japenese-Americans during the war made many challenge the purpose of Americans even being in the war.
             Many traditional patterns of life were challenged during the war, and many barriers to racial equality wavered or fell. For many it was hard to over look the similarities between anti-Semitism in Germany and racial discrimination in America. Many civil rights leaders saw this as an opportunity to open America's eyes to the injustices right here in America. They began a "Double V" campaign, victory over Nazism abroad and victory over racism and inequality at home. (Henretta, 843)
             Even before America became actively involved in the war, many blacks were employed under the government. Leaders of the black race began to demand that the government require integration from defense contractors. When the government refused, a black union began to plan a "March on Washington" in the summer of 1941. Fearing the embarrassment of a public protest and even more, disruption of war preparations, Roosevelt gave in. In exchange for a cancellation of the march, Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802. This prevented discrimination by employment of defense industries or government due to race, creed, color, or national origin. (Henretta, 844) The Fair Employment Practices Committee was created to oversee these practices. This was a major step for the
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