"What in the World Happen?"
The Great Depression in Texas was especially damaging to the agricultural sector because of this.
What is a serve drought?
All of the following changes came to Texas after World War II EXCEPT:
*the continued dominance of the economy by the oil industry
* a demand for equal rights by women and minorities
* an increase in the urban population
*a boost to the economy due to defense spending
What is the continued dominance of the economy by the oil industry?
● New military facilities
● Naval and aircraft production
● Ammunition plants
● Petroleum plants
The arrival in Texas of the industries described above was the direct result of —
the New Deal
the Dust Bowl
international conflict
an economic depression
What is international conflict?
In the early 1900's Texans rationed supplies, nearly 500 Texas women served as nurses, and approximately 5,000 gave their lives all to support what significant event in U.S. history?
World War I
World War II
Civil War
Vietnam War
What is WWI?
● Served in the Texas House of Representatives
● Served as the Speaker of the House for the U.S. House of Representatives
● Served as vice-president during Franklin Roosevelt's first two terms
Which Texan is described by the information in the box above?
Sam Rayburn
Lyndon B. Johnson
John Nance Garner
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Who is John Nance Garner?
Sam Rayburn
Position: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Tenure: Served in the House for over 48 years, including 17 years as Speaker—the longest in U.S. history
Legacy: Instrumental in passing major legislation from the New Deal through the early 1960s. Known for his integrity and bipartisan leadership.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Position: 36th President of the United States (1963–1969)
Background: Born in Stonewall, Texas. Served as U.S. Representative, Senator, and Vice President before becoming President.
Legacy: Championed the "Great Society" programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Civil Rights Act. His presidency was also marked by the escalation of the Vietnam War.
John Nance Garner
Position: 32nd Vice President of the United States (1933–1941) under Franklin D. Roosevelt
Background: Born in Red River County, Texas. Served as Speaker of the House before becoming Vice President.
Legacy: Initially supported the New Deal but later opposed several of Roosevelt's policies. Known for his candidness and influence in Congress. TSHA Online+2Wikipedia+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2Bioguide+3Miller Center+3Encyclopedia Britannica+3
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Position: 34th President of the United States (1953–1961)
Background: Born in Denison, Texas. Served as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II.
Legacy: Oversaw a period of economic prosperity and infrastructure development, including the Interstate Highway System. Warned against the "military-industrial complex" in his farewell address.
How did the Dust Bowl affect economic development in Texas?
Many farms were lost to banks.
The demand for Texas crops declined.
Employment in major cities increased.
Oil production declined in West Texas.
What is Many farms were lost to banks?
How did New Deal programs change the lives of Texans during the Great Depression?
Gas rationing helped to reduce traffic in busy cities.
Cotton prices were fixed to keep farmer on the land.
Thousands found employment building roads and bridges.
Additional government funding was provided to oil companies.
What is thousands found employment building roads and bridges?
How did Texas economically benefit from U.S. involvement in the Second World War?
Texans became wealthy serving as soldiers in the war.
Rationing consumer goods stimulated the growth of businesses.
Natural resources in Texas were needed to supply the war effort.
Locating internment camps in Texas brought consumers to the region.
What is natural resources in Texas were needed to supply the war effort?
Describe how Texas was changed by the Second World War. Be sure to use historical evidence to support your
Group must be as detailed as possible with response to receive the full 500 points. No half points.
Economic
Urbanization and Population Growth
Social Changes/Workforce Diversification
Military and Educational Developments
World War II profoundly transformed Texas, reshaping its economy, society, and demographics. The state's strategic location, abundant natural resources, and favorable climate positioned it as a pivotal hub for military training and industrial production during the war.
Economic Transformation
The war catalyzed a significant economic boom in Texas. Federal investments led to the establishment and expansion of numerous military installations, including Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, and Corpus Christi Army Depot. These bases not only trained hundreds of thousands of troops but also invigorated local economies. Additionally, Texas's oil industry experienced rapid growth to meet the heightened demand for fuel and synthetic rubber, essential for the war effort. Cities like Houston became centers for petrochemical production, shipbuilding, and steel manufacturing, laying the foundation for post-war economic prosperity.
Urbanization and Population Growth
The wartime industrial boom prompted a mass migration from rural areas to urban centers. Between 1940 and 1950, Texas's urban population surged from 45.4% to 59.8%, surpassing the national average. Cities such as Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth expanded rapidly, with new housing developments like Liberator Village in Fort Worth constructed to accommodate the influx of workers.
Social Changes and Workforce Diversification
With many men serving overseas, women and minorities entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers. Women took on roles in factories, producing aircraft, munitions, and other essential materials. For instance, Mexican-American women in San Antonio worked in bomb component manufacturing. African Americans and Latinos also found new employment opportunities, although they often faced discrimination and unequal pay. The increased competition for jobs sometimes led to racial tensions, exemplified by the 1943 Beaumont race riot, where violence erupted over job competition and segregation issues.
Military and Educational Developments
Texas became a central training ground for military personnel. The state's favorable flying conditions led to the establishment of numerous Army Airfields, training over 200,000 aviation personnel. Educational institutions like Texas Tech University and Baylor University adapted their programs to support the war effort, offering specialized training and courses for military needs.
Long-Term Impacts
The transformations during World War II had lasting effects on Texas. The state's economy diversified beyond agriculture, embracing industries like petrochemicals, aerospace, and manufacturing. Urbanization continued post-war, and the social shifts initiated during the war laid groundwork for future civil rights advancements.
In summary, World War II acted as a catalyst that propelled Texas into a new era of economic growth, urban development, and social change, fundamentally altering its trajectory for decades to come.