Diversity During Ww2

World War II had a positive impact on America as it helped the country be more inclusive. As the United States was fighting against the fascist Nazi Germany, the United States made sure to oppose their values. This meant opposing discrimination and allowing minorities equal opportunities. World War II changed the United States’ view on diversity and gave minorities more opportunities. As a result of ‘the enemy’s’ view on discrimination, America focused on inclusion. As a result, American society started to reflect and accept diversity in America. “By the war’s end, racism and nativism had been stripped of intellectual respectability, at least outside the South, and were viewed as psychological disorders” (Foner 870). This showed steps in the health and scientific fields to be more inclusive. However, it was not the only sector of society that changed its tune. “Hollywood, too, did its part, portraying fighting units whose members, representing various regional, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, put aside group loyalties and prejudices for the

This era saw a decrease in segregation and protection against discrimination. “...Executive Order 8802, which banned discrimination in defense jobs and established a Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC) to monitor compliance. The black press hailed the order as a new Emancipation Proclamation” (Foner 878). The FEPC was momentous as it helped African Americans gain jobs and have equal opportunities. Although, the FEPC was only one way the government decreased discrimination. “In the final months of the war, it [the navy] ended segregation altogether, and the army established a few combat units that included black and white soldiers” (Foner 880). The inclusion of African Americans in combat is a big step at the beginning of the war when they were confined to non-combat units. World War II helped African Americans gain more rights and