In this Grade 4 lesson from California myWorld Interactive Chapter 6, students learn how World War II — including the attack on Pearl Harbor and fears of Japanese invasion — directly affected California and its residents. Students explore key concepts such as the defense industry, rationing, prejudice, and internment camps, examining how Californians on the home front contributed to the war effort through factory work, military training bases, and volunteering.
Section 1
An Attack Brings the U.S. into War
For several years, a huge conflict called World War II was fought in Europe and Asia. The United States was not yet part of the fighting.
Everything changed on December 7, 1941. On that day, Japan launched a surprise attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack damaged many ships and planes.
Section 2
Women Build for the War
When World War II began, the United States needed many ships, planes, and other supplies for the soldiers. California's factories began working day and night to build these items. This created a huge defense industry in the state.
When millions of men left to fight in World War II, California's defense factories and shipyards needed workers. For the first time, large numbers of women joined the workforce to fill these important jobs. They built airplanes, ships, and other supplies for the military.
Section 3
Prejudice on the California Home Front
World War II brought many changes, but not all were good. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, fear led to prejudice. The U.S. government unfairly forced thousands of Japanese American families to leave their homes. They had to live in special camps called internment camps until the war ended.
Tensions also grew between different groups in big cities. In Los Angeles, this led to the Zoot Suit Riots, a series of clashes between U.S. servicemen and young Mexican Americans. These events show that wartime also brought conflict and unfairness to California.
Section 4
The War Spurs California's Growth
After the war, many workers and soldiers who came to California decided to stay. This created a massive population growth as families settled in the state. California quickly became one of the most populated states in the country.
To house all the new people, builders created large communities of homes outside of big cities. These new neighborhoods were called suburbs. The state's economy also changed. It began to depend more on manufacturing jobs in factories and less on farming.
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Section 1
An Attack Brings the U.S. into War
For several years, a huge conflict called World War II was fought in Europe and Asia. The United States was not yet part of the fighting.
Everything changed on December 7, 1941. On that day, Japan launched a surprise attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack damaged many ships and planes.
Section 2
Women Build for the War
When World War II began, the United States needed many ships, planes, and other supplies for the soldiers. California's factories began working day and night to build these items. This created a huge defense industry in the state.
When millions of men left to fight in World War II, California's defense factories and shipyards needed workers. For the first time, large numbers of women joined the workforce to fill these important jobs. They built airplanes, ships, and other supplies for the military.
Section 3
Prejudice on the California Home Front
World War II brought many changes, but not all were good. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, fear led to prejudice. The U.S. government unfairly forced thousands of Japanese American families to leave their homes. They had to live in special camps called internment camps until the war ended.
Tensions also grew between different groups in big cities. In Los Angeles, this led to the Zoot Suit Riots, a series of clashes between U.S. servicemen and young Mexican Americans. These events show that wartime also brought conflict and unfairness to California.
Section 4
The War Spurs California's Growth
After the war, many workers and soldiers who came to California decided to stay. This created a massive population growth as families settled in the state. California quickly became one of the most populated states in the country.
To house all the new people, builders created large communities of homes outside of big cities. These new neighborhoods were called suburbs. The state's economy also changed. It began to depend more on manufacturing jobs in factories and less on farming.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter