Over Here, Over There

 Introduction   |   Perception of the Enemy   |   News of the War  |   Keeping in Contact   |   Re-entry into the Community   |   Notes   |   Main Index

With the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 Americans were thrust into an unprecedented world conflict. Along with hundreds of other political, military and economic considerations the government had to find ways to bring the war, fought exclusively on foreign soil, closer to home. By doing so the government was able to gain the crucial support and sacrifice needed from the American public. Individuals both home and abroad were forced to maintain relationships with friends and loved ones hundreds of miles away and attempt to understand a complicated military situation.

From the outset the government fostered the public opinion that there were two separate enemies. One enemy was the evil Nazi regime and its leader Adolf Hitler and the second enemy were the Japanese people. This distinction and racialization of the enemy by the government was intentional and successfully adopted by the general American public.

Reading the newspapers and listening to the radio was another way in which the war was brought home for many Americans and another way in which those at home could keep in touch with family and friends abroad. However, because the government manipulated the flow of information, the way Americans understood the war was also controlled by the government.

Bridging the gap between soldiers and civilians was as important for those abroad as it was for supporters at home during the war years. Numerous means were used to help people keep in contact with loved ones kept distant by world conflict.

The return for many soldiers was bittersweet. The reunion with loved ones was a cherished occasion but none could ignore the human cost of victory. Still, life moved on and once back in the community, soldiers were eager to return to business as usual.