The conduct of war presents incredible challenges as well as opportunities. These impact the economy of the country as well a the daily lives of all participants. Describe the challenges and opportunities unique to Alaska during World War II.
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| First Photos of Our Attack on Attu, May 11, 1943 VILDA UAF-1970-11-32 |
during WWII were mostly contributed to the
geographical location of Alaska. The country was
taken by surprise by the attack on Pearl Harbor,
December 7, 1941. The military scrambled to take
measures to protect the northern pacific waters and
lands from Japanese invasion.
Native Alaskans were evacuated from their homes
and taken to a different place supposedly for protection,
(this is expanded on in my examine question),
the huge challenge of building a road that linked
Alaska to the lower 48 was constructed. This involved
employing many people, both native to Alaska and
military personnel. Many Alaska Natives volunteered
their time in dedication to protecting their country.
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ATG Being Sworn In, Barrow
VILDA UAF-1976-21-587
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THESE BOYS COULD SHOOT!! Alaska Territorial Guard
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ATG Patch
VILDA UAF-1972-182-1
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The military presence in Alaska grew during WWII and
remains today. After WWII, it became evident that Alaska
needed to gain statehood. This opened many doors for
Alaskans. One of those open doors was impetus to a Native
Civil Rights Movement.
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Anchorage Daily Times Headline 7/1/58
After Congress Passed Statehood Act
VILDA UAF-2006-154-8
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Describe the major events in the Aleutian Campaign of World War II.
The most tragic of events in the Aleutian Campaign of WWII was the
evacuation and internment of the Aleuts. This even occurred after Attu
and Kiska were invaded by the Japanese. This evacuation was a
strategy to keep the natives safe. Their homes, schools, and churches
were destroyed so the "Japs" could not benefit from them.
"In 1942, my wife and our four children were whipped away from our home... all our possessions were left... for mother nature to destroy.... I tried to pretend it was really a dream and this could not happen to me and my dear family."The Aleuts were taken from their home to Southeast Alaska. They were
-Bill Tcheripanoff, Sr., of Akutan
not used to trees, constant rain, sickness like pneumonia and tuberculosis
overtook them. They were provided little provisions of food.
They were not given any guns to hunt with. Germans in P.O.W. camps
were treated better then these people who were Alaska Natives.
The Japanese bombed Dutch Harbor six months after the bombing
of Pearl Harbor. They invaded the islands of Attu and Kiska. The
United States took back the islands but not without casualties. The
Japanese suffered the most casualties.
EVALUATION:
Wow! Another great module. I learned a great deal of information.
Another layer of Alaska exposed and what makes this place such
a great place to be. I also found it interesting about the quonsets that
were left behind by the military. I was taking a drive and I came upon
a business called the Blue Loon. It is housed in a quonset. I wonder if
this is one of the quonsets left behind?
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