The Impacts of World War II on Children on the American Home Front
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Brian Newsome
Abstract
My research examines the impacts of World War II on children living on the American home front, as they experienced the challenges of war during such a critical stage in their lives. Although various primary and secondary resources were used throughout my project, the research is primarily based on (1) an interview with Mrs. Helen Muse of Madison, GA, and (2) Mr. Byron Earheart’s memoir, At Grandma’s House: World War II Homefront in Havana, Illinois. Both during and after the war, children such as Muse and Earheart witnessed the cruel realities of war and the advantages of a nation banded together against adversity and injustice. As children navigated the complexities of the home front, several factors impressed upon them different values regarding war, politics, and patriotism, and many of those values shaped their opinions and ideals for the rest of their lives. Through shifting family and community dynamics, school experiences, patriotic propaganda, and post-war experiences, World War II instilled in many children values of civil service and obedience, patriotism, and national unity that those children and now their descendants still hold today. Although later challenged by constant military involvement throughout the twentieth century, in many cases these values have stood the test of time and today are part of the patriotic legacy of World War II.
Start Date
27-3-2024 11:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 11:08 AM
Location
Arts and Sciences 2-72
The Impacts of World War II on Children on the American Home Front
Arts and Sciences 2-72
My research examines the impacts of World War II on children living on the American home front, as they experienced the challenges of war during such a critical stage in their lives. Although various primary and secondary resources were used throughout my project, the research is primarily based on (1) an interview with Mrs. Helen Muse of Madison, GA, and (2) Mr. Byron Earheart’s memoir, At Grandma’s House: World War II Homefront in Havana, Illinois. Both during and after the war, children such as Muse and Earheart witnessed the cruel realities of war and the advantages of a nation banded together against adversity and injustice. As children navigated the complexities of the home front, several factors impressed upon them different values regarding war, politics, and patriotism, and many of those values shaped their opinions and ideals for the rest of their lives. Through shifting family and community dynamics, school experiences, patriotic propaganda, and post-war experiences, World War II instilled in many children values of civil service and obedience, patriotism, and national unity that those children and now their descendants still hold today. Although later challenged by constant military involvement throughout the twentieth century, in many cases these values have stood the test of time and today are part of the patriotic legacy of World War II.