key term - Camp Stewart

Definition

Camp Stewart was a U.S. Army installation located near Hinesville, Georgia, established during World War II to train soldiers and support military operations. The camp played a crucial role in the military's expansion in the South, providing a base for training and logistical support, particularly for infantry units preparing for overseas deployment. Its establishment was part of a broader trend of military bases in Georgia that contributed significantly to the state's economy and labor market during the war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Camp Stewart was officially established in 1940 and served as a key training site for over 500,000 soldiers during its operation.
2. The camp was named after Confederate General Daniel Stewart and was located on what was once a large tract of pine forest.
3. It provided essential training facilities for various military units, including infantry and artillery divisions, which were vital to the Allied war effort.
4. After World War II, Camp Stewart was re-designated as a permanent installation and continued to serve as a military base until its closure in 1961.
5. The closure of Camp Stewart marked a shift in military strategy and troop deployments, contributing to the transformation of the region's economy from wartime production to peacetime activities.

Review Questions

• How did Camp Stewart contribute to the training of soldiers during World War II and what impact did it have on the local economy?
  • Camp Stewart played a pivotal role in training soldiers for World War II by serving as a key installation for infantry and artillery units. With its capacity to train over 500,000 troops, it not only prepared them for combat but also injected significant economic activity into the local community through jobs and services needed to support the military presence. This influx helped local businesses thrive during wartime.
• Discuss the significance of Camp Stewart's establishment in the context of the broader network of military bases in Georgia during World War II.
  • The establishment of Camp Stewart was part of a larger network of military bases across Georgia that collectively supported the war effort by training troops and manufacturing war materials. This network enhanced Georgia's strategic importance as a military hub, providing essential resources and infrastructure needed for both training soldiers and supporting logistics. The collaboration between multiple installations increased efficiency in troop deployment and resource allocation.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Camp Stewart's closure on the surrounding community and the evolution of military strategy in the United States.
  • The closure of Camp Stewart in 1961 had significant long-term implications for Hinesville and surrounding communities, shifting economic reliance from military operations to civilian industries. This transition reflected broader changes in U.S. military strategy post-World War II as troop levels decreased and military installations were consolidated. The change also prompted efforts to diversify local economies and adapt to new circumstances, ultimately reshaping the region's development trajectory.

Related terms

Fort Benning:

A U.S. Army post in Georgia known for its infantry training, often referred to as the 'Home of the Infantry.'

War Industries: Manufacturing activities that produced weapons, vehicles, and supplies needed for military operations, significantly boosting local economies during wartime.

Military Industrial Complex: The relationship between a country's military and the defense industry that supplies it, influencing both policy and economic conditions.