Texas History

🤠Texas History Unit 6 – World War II and the Mid–20th Century

World War II transformed Texas from 1939 to 1945. The state became a hub for military training, oil production, and manufacturing. Over 750,000 Texans served in the armed forces, while the home front saw economic growth and social changes. The war's impact on Texas lasted well beyond 1945. The GI Bill, suburbanization, and industrial expansion reshaped the state. Civil rights movements gained momentum, challenging segregation. Texas emerged as a major center of business, technology, and aerospace in the post-war era.

Key Events and Timeline

  • World War II began in 1939 with Germany's invasion of Poland and ended in 1945 with the surrender of Germany and Japan
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7, 1941 led to the United States entering the war
  • Major battles included the Battle of Midway (1942), D-Day (1944), and the Battle of the Bulge (1944-1945)
  • The Manhattan Project, which began in 1942, led to the development of the atomic bomb
    • First atomic bomb test took place on July 16, 1945 in New Mexico (Trinity Test)
  • Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of the war
  • The Potsdam Conference in July-August 1945 established post-war order and divided Germany into occupation zones
  • The Nuremberg Trials (1945-1946) prosecuted Nazi war criminals for their actions during the war

Major Figures and Leaders

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States during most of the war, led the country's war effort until his death in 1945
  • Harry S. Truman became President after Roosevelt's death and made the decision to use atomic bombs against Japan
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe, led the successful D-Day invasion and campaign against Germany
  • Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was a key ally and leader in the fight against Nazi Germany
  • Adolf Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany, initiated the war and oversaw the Holocaust
    • Committed suicide in his bunker as Soviet troops approached Berlin in April 1945
  • Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union, was a crucial ally in defeating Germany despite initial non-aggression pact with Hitler
  • Hideki Tojo, Prime Minister of Japan during most of the war, was responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbor and the war in the Pacific

Global Impact on Texas

  • Many Texans served in the armed forces during the war, with over 750,000 enlisted
  • Texas became a major center for military training, with numerous bases and facilities established throughout the state
    • Examples include Fort Hood, Camp Mabry, and Randolph Air Force Base
  • The state's economy shifted to support the war effort, with increased production of oil, gas, and agricultural products
  • Wartime demand led to a boom in manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace and shipbuilding industries
    • Consolidated Aircraft Corporation in Fort Worth produced over 3,000 B-24 Liberator bombers
  • The Port of Houston became a vital hub for shipping supplies and troops to the European and Pacific theaters
  • Texas hosted nearly 80,000 German prisoners of war in camps across the state, providing labor for agriculture and industry

Economic Changes in Texas

  • World War II brought an end to the Great Depression in Texas, as wartime demand stimulated economic growth
  • The state's oil and gas industry expanded rapidly to meet the needs of the military, with Texas supplying a significant portion of the nation's fuel
  • Agriculture remained a key sector, with Texas farmers and ranchers providing food for the war effort
    • The Rio Grande Valley became a major producer of citrus fruits and vegetables
  • Manufacturing grew significantly, particularly in the aerospace, electronics, and chemical industries
    • Texas Instruments, founded in 1951, emerged as a leader in electronics and semiconductors
  • Urbanization accelerated as people moved to cities for jobs in factories and offices
  • Infrastructure projects, such as the construction of highways and airports, laid the foundation for post-war economic growth

Social and Cultural Shifts

  • World War II led to significant changes in Texas society and culture
  • Women entered the workforce in large numbers to fill jobs left vacant by men serving in the military
    • Rosie the Riveter became a cultural icon representing women's contributions to the war effort
  • African Americans faced continued discrimination and segregation, despite their service in the armed forces
    • The Double V Campaign advocated for victory over fascism abroad and racism at home
  • Mexican Americans also served in the military and worked in war industries, but faced discrimination and segregation
    • The Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles (1943) highlighted tensions between Mexican Americans and servicemen
  • The war exposed Texans to new ideas and experiences, as soldiers returned home with broadened perspectives
  • Post-war prosperity and the GI Bill enabled many veterans to attend college and buy homes, fueling the growth of the middle class

Texas's Role in the War Effort

  • Texas played a crucial role in the United States' war effort during World War II
  • The state was a major center for military training, with numerous bases and facilities established to prepare soldiers for combat
    • Over 1 million soldiers trained at Texas bases during the war
  • Texas oil fields and refineries supplied a significant portion of the fuel needed for the war effort
    • The Big Inch and Little Big Inch pipelines were built to transport oil from Texas to the East Coast
  • Agriculture and ranching remained vital, with Texas providing food for the military and civilian population
    • The King Ranch supplied over 800,000 pounds of beef to the armed forces
  • Shipbuilding became a significant industry, with the Houston Shipbuilding Corporation producing over 350 vessels
  • Texas companies and universities contributed to technological advancements, such as radar and medical research
    • The University of Texas at Austin conducted research on radar and sonar technology

Post-War Developments

  • Texas experienced significant growth and change in the post-war years
  • The GI Bill provided education and housing benefits to returning veterans, fueling the expansion of colleges and universities
    • Enrollment at the University of Texas at Austin doubled between 1945 and 1946
  • The rise of the middle class and suburbanization transformed the state's cities and landscapes
    • Levittown-style housing developments sprouted up around major cities like Houston and Dallas
  • The oil and gas industry continued to drive the state's economy, with new discoveries and technologies expanding production
    • The offshore oil industry emerged in the Gulf of Mexico, with the first offshore well drilled in 1947
  • The space race and the Cold War led to the growth of the aerospace and defense industries in Texas
    • NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston became the center of the nation's space program
  • Civil rights movements gained momentum, challenging segregation and discrimination in Texas and across the nation
    • The Sweatt v. Painter decision in 1950 opened the door for desegregation of higher education in Texas

Legacy and Long-Term Effects

  • World War II had far-reaching and long-lasting effects on Texas and its people
  • The war accelerated the state's transition from a primarily rural and agricultural economy to a more urban and industrialized one
    • Manufacturing, technology, and service sectors grew in importance, diversifying the state's economy
  • The post-war boom in population and economic growth set the stage for Texas's emergence as a major center of business and industry
    • Texas became known for its pro-business climate and low taxes, attracting companies and investors
  • The war and its aftermath also brought social and cultural changes, as Texans grappled with issues of race, gender, and identity
    • The civil rights movement led to the desegregation of schools and public spaces, though progress was often slow and contentious
  • The experiences of Texans during the war, both at home and abroad, shaped the state's identity and sense of patriotism
    • The sacrifices and contributions of Texans were memorialized in monuments, museums, and cultural traditions
  • The legacy of World War II continues to influence Texas politics, society, and culture, serving as a reminder of the state's role in a pivotal moment in history


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.