#AP African American Studies: WWII Study Guide

Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the AP exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and get you feeling confident. Let's do this! 💪

#1. African Americans in WWII: A Turning Point

#Military Service and Segregation

• Over two million African Americans served in WWII, both through the draft and voluntary enlistment. 🤯
• The U.S. military was segregated at the start of the war. Black soldiers served in separate units, often with white officers.
• Many were assigned to non-combat roles (supply, maintenance), but still served with distinction.
• Notable Units:
  • 92nd Infantry Division ("Buffalo Soldiers") fought in Italy.
  • 761st Tank Battalion ("Black Panthers") fought in France and Germany.

- Examples: Dorie Miller, Charles Thomas

#Tuskegee Airmen Contributions

• The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military pilots. 🛩️
• Trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, after pressure from civil rights groups and the Black press.

- They had an impressive combat record, destroying over **250 enemy aircraft**. - Their success was a major factor in the **desegregation of the U.S. military in 1948**. - Notable Tuskegee Airmen: Benjamin O. Davis Jr. (first Black general in the Air Force), Roscoe Brown.

Tuskegee Airmen: Breaking Barriers in the Sky

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. The Tuskegee Airmen are best known for: (A) serving in ground combat roles (B) being the first Black pilots in the U.S. military (C) their work in military intelligence (D) their role in naval operations

2. Which of the following best describes the experience of African American soldiers in WWII? (A) They were fully integrated into all military units from the start of the war. (B) They primarily served in non-combat roles, despite their desire to fight. (C) They were treated equally with their white counterparts in all aspects of military service. (D) They faced discrimination and segregation but served with distinction.

#2. The Double V Campaign: Fighting on Two Fronts

#Thompson's Letter and Inspiration

• In 1942, James G. Thompson wrote a powerful letter to the Pittsburgh Courier, sparking the Double V Campaign. 💡

- Thompson highlighted the hypocrisy of fighting for democracy overseas while denying it to Black Americans at home. - The **Pittsburgh Courier** adopted the Double V symbol, which became a rallying cry for civil rights. - This campaign linked the fight for civil rights with the war effort. - It inspired African Americans to challenge segregation in various aspects of life. - It laid the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s.

#3. G.I. Bill Access: Promises and Pitfalls

#Benefits for Veterans

• The G.I. Bill of 1944 (Servicemen's Readjustment Act) aimed to help veterans transition back to civilian life.
• It offered benefits like:
  • Funds for college tuition.
  • Low-cost home mortgages.
  • Low-interest business startup loans.
• The G.I. Bill was intended to be race-neutral and available to all veterans.

#Discriminatory Implementation Practices

- **Segregated colleges** limited enrollment for Black veterans. - **Redlining** and **restrictive covenants** prevented Black veterans from buying homes in certain areas. - Banks often refused loans to Black veterans seeking to start businesses. -

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. The Double V Campaign primarily aimed to achieve: (A) victory in the war and the establishment of a separate Black nation (B) victory in the war and the end of racial segregation in the U.S. (C) victory in the war and the economic advancement of Black veterans (D) victory in the war and the integration of the military

2. The G.I. Bill was intended to: (A) provide benefits exclusively to white veterans (B) provide benefits to all veterans regardless of race (C) create separate benefits programs for Black and white veterans (D) offer benefits that were only accessible to veterans in the North

#4. Required Sources: Key Documents and Images

#James G. Thompson, "Should I Sacrifice to Live 'Half-American'?"

• Thompson's 1942 letter is a powerful call for the Double V Campaign.
• He questions the value of fighting for a country that denies Black Americans full citizenship.
• He argues for a "double victory": against fascism abroad and racism at home.

- He expresses faith in America's potential for true democracy.

Key Quotes from Thompson's Letter:

• "If this V sign means that to those now engaged in this great conflict then let we colored Americans adopt the double VV for a double victory. The first V for victory over our enemies from without, the second V for victory over our enemies from within."
• "Should I sacrifice my life to live half American?' 'Will things be better for the next generation in the peace to follow?' 'Would it be demanding too much to demand full citizenship rights in exchange for the sacrificing of my life?"
• "America could become united as never before and become truly the home of democracy."
• "In conclusion let me say that though these questions often permeate my mind, I love America and am willing to die for the America I know will someday become a reality."

#Major Charity E. Adams and Captain Mary Kearney Inspect Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in England, 1945

• The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was an all-Black women's unit.
• Major Charity Adams was the highest-ranking Black woman in the Army during WWII.
• This image shows Black women's contributions to the war effort, challenging gender and racial stereotypes.
• The 6888th efficiently managed the backlog of mail for U.S. troops.

6888th Battalion: Black Women Making History

#The Flight Instructor Staff of Tuskegee Army Airfield, Late in the Second World War, 1945

• These instructors trained the first African American military aviators.
• Their dedication helped overcome racial barriers in aviation.
• They were instrumental in the success of the Tuskegee Airmen.
• Their efforts challenged racial stereotypes and paved the way for greater integration.

Tuskegee Airfield Instructors: Shaping the Future of Aviation

Practice Question

Free Response Question (FRQ):

Analyze the impact of World War II on the African American struggle for civil rights. In your response, be sure to discuss the following:

• The experiences of African Americans in the military during the war.
• The goals and significance of the Double V Campaign.
• The intended and actual effects of the G.I. Bill on African American veterans.
• How the war and its aftermath laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Thesis (1 point): A clear, defensible thesis that addresses the prompt.
• Military Experiences (2 points): Discussion of segregation, service in segregated units, and examples of bravery and discrimination (e.g., Tuskegee Airmen, 92nd Infantry Division).
• Double V Campaign (2 points): Explanation of the campaign's goals (victory abroad and at home), its inspiration (Thompson's letter), and its significance in linking the war effort to civil rights.
• G.I. Bill (2 points): Discussion of the intended benefits and the discriminatory implementation practices that limited access for Black veterans.
• Civil Rights Movement (2 points): Explanation of how WWII and its aftermath laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement (e.g., increased activism, challenging segregation, legal precedents).
• Synthesis (1 point): Demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the topic by connecting the different aspects of the prompt.

#5. Final Exam Focus

#High-Value Topics

• The Double V Campaign: Understand its goals, origins, and impact. It's a frequent topic!
• Tuskegee Airmen: Know their contributions and how they challenged racial stereotypes.
• G.I. Bill: Focus on the discrepancy between its intent and its actual impact on Black veterans.
• Discrimination in the Military: Be prepared to discuss segregation and unequal treatment.
• Required Sources: Familiarize yourself with Thompson's letter and the significance of the images provided.

#Common Question Types

• Multiple Choice: Expect questions that test your knowledge of key events, people, and concepts.
• Short Answer: Be ready to provide concise explanations of the Double V Campaign, G.I. Bill, and the experiences of Black soldiers.
• Free Response: Practice writing essays that analyze the impact of WWII on the African American struggle for civil rights.

#Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. Move on and come back if you have time.
• Common Pitfalls: Avoid making generalizations or oversimplifications. Be specific and use evidence to support your claims.
• Strategies: Read questions carefully and make sure you understand what's being asked. Use the documents and images provided to support your arguments.

#You've Got This! 🎉

You're well-prepared and ready to ace this exam. Take a deep breath, stay focused, and trust in your knowledge. Good luck! You've got this! 💪