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How did wartime production in American factories relate to the end of the Great Depression?

User Deutro
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Final answer:

Wartime production shifted American factories from civilian to military output, which led to nearly full employment, a boost in productivity, and a buildup of savings among Americans. These factors ended the Great Depression and ushered in a postwar economic boom as consumer demand soared and factories returned to producing civilian goods.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between wartime production in American factories and the end of the Great Depression is a significant historical phenomenon. The federal government's escalation of economic control during World War II meant that American factories shifted from civilian to military production. As factories produced tanks instead of automobiles and machine guns instead of sewing machines, the nation experienced an economic revamp. Unemployment rates plummeted from 15 percent in 1939 to nearly 1 percent in 1943, as defense industries required an expanded workforce. This created seventeen million new civilian jobs and a surge in productivity and output.

User Jane S
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Once America entered World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the federal government called on businesses all over the country to increase production of war materials (ammunition, guns, airplanes, etc.). This need for the aforementioned products caused businesses to seek new employees to hire. Considering that millions of men all over the country were drafted into the war, this resulted in women being persuaded to join the work force.

Since women joined the workforce and men were employed by the military, the unemployment rate drops dramatically during World War II. Since more people were employed, more American citizens were getting paid consistently. This helped to ensure that America finally escaped the Great Depression once and for all.
User Carl Crott
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