World War II and Post-War "Boom"
A New Age, painting by Christopher Still
World War II helped to renew Florida's economy. Because of its landscape and mild climate, the state became a major training site for men and women in the military. Airports and roads were constructed. This prepared the state for a large increase in population after the war. Newcomers from other states and countries helped to create a dynamic population. Beginning in the 1950s, changes in laws and public education sought to protect peoples' rights and prevent discrimination.
Florida's economy became more diverse after WWII. Growth in tourism, agriculture, and other industries created jobs and opportunities, causing businesses and corporations to move to the state. The space industry brought people, technology, research, and media attention. Over time, legislation, education, transportation, health care, and the economy have kept pace with the needs of a dynamic and varied population. Today, Florida is ranked #1 in economy, #1 in higher education, and best-in-the-nation for entrepreneurship, talent development, new business creations, and tourism.
1. Why is Florida known as the Sunshine State?
2. In the picture above, circle any common Florida symbols you see.
3. Go to christopherstill.com/fl-house-of-reps and click on the picture that matches the painting above.
4. Click on "Go to link" to learn more about Florida symbols.
Free Play
How did Florida Support World War II?
During World War II, many items used every day were rationed so that there were enough supplies for the war. Posters were distributed around the country to encourage people to buy war bonds and conserve food, clothing, and gasoline. These posters also persuaded women to join the military as nurses or to work in factories.
Your task for this Free Play is to study posters from World War II to find out how the U.S. motivated citizens to support the war.
Directions
1. Go to floridamemory.com/learn/exhibits/wwii/homefront.
2. Use the exhibit to answer the questions below.
Questions to Answer
1. What actions were people being asked to take to support the war effort?
2. What resources were families asked to save and/or recycle for the war effort? Why was this important?
3. What role did women have in supporting the war effort?
Sketch your own poster to promote something you need or an issue that is important to you (i.e., recycling, eating more oranges, riding your bike).
Math Game
Using the numbers in the grid, solve the formulas to discover important dates in Florida's history. When you see a plus (+) sign, add the numbers together. When you see a minus (-) sign, subtract the second number from the first one.
Example: Florida became the 27th state in: A1 A2+C1 D1 D3-C2 = 1845
Questions
- Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León landed on Florida's east coast in:
A1 B2-A1 C1-B1 A1+B1 - Britain took control of Florida in:
D2-C2 A3-B1 B2 C3 - Andrew Jackson made Florida a U.S. Territory in:
B2-A2 A2+C1 D2-B2 A1 - The Civil War lasted from April 1861 to April:
A1 B3-B1 D12-B2 B1+C1 - Florida was the base of U.S. efforts to help Cubans win freedom from Spanish rule during the Spanish-American War in:
C1-B1 D2 B2+C1 A3-A1 - Florida's economy had already been damaged by two hurricanes and a fruit fly invasion by the time the Great Depression descended on the nation in:
A2-D2 D3-B2 B3-D2 A3
Bonus: World War II helped to renew Florida's economy in:
D3-C3 C2+B1 A3-A2 A3-D2
