University Press of Florida Home Front: North Carolina During World War II

"Outlines in great detail how the war brought progress to [North Carolina]. . . . Pleasants is a storyteller, and he has gleaned the archives and old newspaper accounts of local wartime activities for facts and stories that will entertain as they help relate the amazing impact the war made on [North Carolina]."-Chapel Hill News "A powerful book; a tale of heroism, volunteerism, and sacrifice."-Gary R. Mormino, author of Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida "Personal anecdotes humanize the narrative and add a poignant impact. The use of newspaper editorials also provides an understanding of how North Carolinians responded to the war."-Melton A. McLaurin, author of The Marines of Montford Point: America's First Black Marines Home Front argues that World War II was the most significant event in the history of modern North Carolina, an experience that dramatically improved the lives of ordinary citizens by transforming the rural state into an urban and industrialized society. Julian Pleasants uses oral history interviews, newspaper accounts, and other primary sources to explore the triumphs, hardships, and emotions of North Carolinians during this critical period. Residents of the state witnessed submarine warfare, German prisoners of war in the state, racial discrimination, civil rights progress, and new openings for women in society. With new military bases and increased demand for textiles, crops, lumber, furniture, tobacco, and military service, they saw better jobs, higher living standards, and a new and growing middle class due to these life-changing years.