How did WWII propel the civil rights movement?
1 Answer
When the men went to war in World War II, employers were left with only women and people of color to fill primarily white, male jobs. Their success in these occupations proved their ability and propelled the Civil Rights Movement.
Explanation:
World War II was a total war. This means that an entire country was at war, not just the soldiers. Factories made weapons. Scientists researched advanced technology. Most people contributed to the war directly or indirectly.
Because of the draft, most of the able-bodied men were swept away into the military, leaving their families and jobs behind. With a lack of white men to do the labor that they left behind, employers resort to using women and people of color to fill typically white, male occupations.
While many jobs were given back after the war, the change in the societal view remained. This proved that women and people of color were qualified to do these jobs, propelling the civil rights movement and setting the stage for important individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.
