Lesson 2: California: The Arsenal of Democracy

When World War II began, California became the "Arsenal of Democracy." Factories worked day and night to build ships (like the Liberty Ships in Richmond) and airplanes. This defense industry boom finally ended the Great Depression.

With men away fighting, the workforce changed. Women took factory jobs for the first time, symbolized by "Rosie the Riveter." African Americans also moved to California cities for these jobs. This industrial surge transformed California into a manufacturing powerhouse.

War brought fear and prejudice. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government issued Executive Order 9066. This order forced 120,000 Japanese Americans—most of whom were U.S. citizens—to leave their homes and businesses.

They were sent to internment camps like Manzanar in the California desert. They lived in barracks behind barbed wire, despite having done nothing wrong. Years later, the government apologized for this unjust violation of civil rights.