The Impact of the Second World War

The Second World War (1941–1945 for US involvement) had a profound impact on American society and the economy. It ended the Great Depression, transformed the role of women and African Americans, and established the United States as a global superpower. This lesson covers the key social, economic, and political changes brought about by the war.

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The End of the Great Depression

The war achieved what the New Deal had not — full employment and economic recovery.

Economic Impact	Detail
Unemployment	Fell from 8.5 million (1940) to virtually zero by 1943
Industrial output	American factories produced vast quantities of weapons, ships, aircraft, and vehicles
GDP	Doubled between 1939 and 1945
Government spending	Federal spending rose from $9 billion (1939) to$9billion(1939)to98 billion (1945)
Wages	Average wages rose by 50% during the war years

Exam Tip: A key exam argument is that it was the war, not the New Deal, that ended the Great Depression. Be prepared to evaluate this statement with specific evidence.

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Key Dates