World War II Race Relations

Pre-Statehood Era: 1700-1818

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Early Statehood: 1818-1861

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Civil War Era: 1861-1865

• Civil War- Government
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Late 19th Century: 1866-1900

• Late 19th Century- Government
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Early 20th Century: 1900-1914

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World War I: 1914-1918

• World War I- Government
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Roaring Twenties: 1918-1929

• Roaring Twenties- Government
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Great Depression: 1930-1941

• Great Depression- Government
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World War II: 1941-1945

• World War II- Government
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• World War II- Race Relations

Cold War Era: 1946-1991

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Millennium: 1991-Present

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Lesson Plans

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Resources

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African American

Communication from Hannah A. Woods of the Illinois Association of Colored Women, August 6th, 1942

• This letter from Hannah A. Woods to Governor Greene of Illinois discussed her appointment as a vice-chairman of the Women's Organization of the Illinois State Council of Defense. She also discussed a school she established for impoverished families which was at risk.

• Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Document 14. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Accessed on 11/03/2016. https://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/teaching_packages/illinois_at_war/doc14.html

Asian American

Communication from the War Relocation Authority Concerning Japanese-Americans Relocated in the Chicago Area December 6th, 1943

• This communication addressed the resettlement of Japanese-Americans in the Chicago area. During the war, many Americans of Japanese origin faced prejudice after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Relocation efforts on the West Coast at the same time placed these people in internment camps.

• Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Document 31. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Accessed on 10/03/2016. https://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/teaching_packages/illinois_at_war/doc31.html

Hispanic American 

Evite Accidentes, WPA Poster, 1942

• This poster by Miguel A. Rodridguez shows a mangled man lying on the sidewalk next to an automobile that has crashed into a lamp post. Written in Spanish, it translates as: "Avoid Accidents: Do Not Remain in the Street During an Alarm."

• Citation: “Evite Accidentes: No Se Quede en la Calle Durante una Alarma / 6 MAR,” Illinois: WPA, 1942, accessed through WPA Posters collection, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/wpapos/item/98507186/

Other Minorities

Communication from Rev. J. Mueller Concerning Lutheran Services in the German Language, September 26th, 1942

• This communication to Governor Greene from Reverend Mueller of Steeleville, IL requested an official statement supporting the return of German-language services at the church at the request of older members, who often spoke very little English. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, German-speaking individuals were treated with suspicion.

• Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Document 17. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Accessed on 11/03/2016. https://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/teaching_packages/illinois_at_war/doc17.html

Resolution of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America Concerning the Partition of Their Homeland, January 25th, 1944

• This resolution passed by the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America at a convention in Chicago protested the seizing of Eastern Poland by the Soviet Union, and asked for assistance from President Roosevelt. Chicago has historically been home to a large Polish population.

• Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Document 37. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Accessed on 11/03/2016. https://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/teaching_packages/illinois_at_war/doc37.html