Florida during World War II

Florida during World War II

Introduction

Florida is one of the major tourist attractions of the United States of America and a center of growth because of its agricultural industry along with the tourist industry. It was a less populated area by 1940. With the outset of World War II, its statistics changed drastically, and the city was affected economically and socially with major events changing the face of the State. Florida is accounted in history as one of the major states playing an important role during World War II and its aftermath. The war brought dramatic changes in the State and changed the way it operated after the war. When Pearl Harbor was attacked in Dec, 1941, America declared a war on Japan. In turn, Germany and Italy declared a war on the United States. At that time, many soldiers fought from the region of Florida in the war (www.themosh.org). These people joined hands with the American army and sworn to protect their country. This is the reason because of which Florida is recognized as one of the major players during the war and victory in the war. This paper briefly discusses the role that Florida played during World War II and how the war had an economic impact on the region with major events following the war.

Discussion

Military installations in Florida

Florida was considered as an important place for establishing military bases for training the soldiers. The state was the most suitable for building the bases because the state had a lot of vacant space. In addition to that, the weather in the state allowed the soldiers to be trained in an effective manner. Even before the start of the war, many men were trained in Florida. There were six aviation schools in Florida by 1939. Florida's warm climate proved to be the most suitable for the training of the soldiers who had to fight in the war. With the outset of the war, the soldiers built around 172 bases throughout Florida (www. fcit.usf.edu). By the year 1942, the establishments were overcrowded then the military had to reside in hotel establishments. These hotels were used as barracks or as hospitals for the injured personnel.

Florida National Guard units came into service in 1940. The units remained on duty till 1945. Many Floridians became soldiers or sailors. When United States officially entered the war in 1941, many men and women volunteered to take part in the war. Many people sacrificed themselves in the war and paid for the casualties (Coles, n.d). The defense industry saw a boom as the equipment to fight in the war were produced in bulk in the state itself. The civilians joined in the war for the protection of their country. This is why the event has been marked as one of the major events in the history of the citizens sacrificing their lives for their country. To mark their sacrifice, a Veteran Day is conducted on 1st November in the memories of those who lost their ...