October 13, 2006

  • The event that propelled the world out of the Great Depression was World War II. With America declaring a policy of isolationism, with memories of World War I still on citizen's minds, the rest of the world engaged in battle, and millions were slaughtered by the Axis powers. However, with the bombing of Manila and Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States became engaged in battle. I emphasize that these two sites were American lands, whose people were subject to the jurisdiction and influence of the United States of America.

    Almost immediately, the United States went on the offensive. The military mobilized and citizens backed the war effort with much gusto. Men of all ethnicities enlisted and women assumed a place in the workforce. The image of Rosie the Riveter sprouted from this era. An interesting note about the military during World War II was that the United States Armed Forces were still segregated. Hence, the all black units like the Tuskegee Airmen, the 442nd Japanese American unit, and the First and Second Filipino Infantry Units. Most people haven't heard of the latter two, who weren't as decorated as the 442nd, but who were integral in the taking back of the Philippines. Many of the men who enlisted were the same ones who worked in the fields and sent money back home to their families in the Philippines, a practice still in effect today.

    On the other side of the coin were the soldiers of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), who were also under the purview of the United States military. The difference was that they were stationed in the Philippines. They followed American officer's orders and swore an oath to defend and protect the United States government. People of Philippine descent had a lot to do with protecting the United States of America.