Final answer:
During WWII, Americans faced discrimination both in the military and at home; African Americans were segregated within the military and denied full benefits under the GI Bill, while Japanese Americans were unjustly interned based on their ethnicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discrimination Against Minorities During WWII
During World War II, some Americans faced increased discrimination as a result of the U.S. joining the war. African Americans, for example, participated in the "Double V Campaign" fighting for victory against both foreign enemies and against racial discrimination domestically.
Despite their contributions, returning soldiers found their rights unchanged, and they were still subject to segregation and prejudiced policies.
The GI Bill benefits also did not readily extend to them. Asian Americans, particularly Japanese Americans, suffered severe discrimination with over 120,000 individuals—many of whom were U.S. citizens—forcibly relocated to internment camps under Executive Order 9066.
This action was taken out of a fear that they might be loyal to Japan, based on racial prejudice rather than evidence of disloyalty.
Impact of WWII Discrimination Policies
The discriminatory policies during WWII, including segregation and internment, ignited civil rights organizations to fight more vehemently against racial injustices. This period consequently laid the groundwork for changes in post-war America.
While the government made some efforts to protect minority workers' rights through Executive Order 8802 and the establishment of the Fair Employment Practice Committee (FEPC), which ensured non-discriminatory practices in war-related industries, the fight for full civil rights was far from over.