War Bonds
The United States spent more than $300 billion fighting the Axis Powers and supplying our Allies during WWII. In today’s money that would be 4 trillion dollars. To help fund this effort, the government turned to ordinary Americans. The United States Treasury offered Americans a series of War Bonds they could purchase during the war which was both an investment in one’s country and an investment in one’s own financial future. During the time period of WWII, people in the United States could purchase a $25 War Bond for $18.75. The government would take that money to help pay for tanks, planes, ships, uniforms, weapons, medicine, food, and everything else the military needed to fight and win.Ten years from the time of their purchase of the War Bond, people could redeem it and get $25. That is the investment people made in their own financial future.
Significance of War Bonds During WWII
The War bonds actually were a loan to the government to help finance the war effort. People in the United States bought the war bonds and that money was used to provide supplies for the troops. Eventually, the citizens who bought the bonds would get some of the money back. The war bonds were huge contribution in terms of helping the troops since they were in desperate need of supplies and money. War stamps and bonds were not only a way for the government to raise money, but a way for every person to participate in the war effort. It became very patriotic to buy bonds and stamps during this time. Posters to encourage people to buy bonds were found all across America during the war.
War Bonds' Significance Today
War bonds are an example of America being united when it needed to be. People in the United Sates during the World War II time period came together and tried to help out the U.S forces whether it’s by buying war bonds or any other means. Today, if there was a war where USA needs support, the people of United States will most likely help out their soldiers similarly to how they did in WWII. It also made the people of United Sates become more patriotic about their soldiers in the long term.
American Home Front
American public became really patriotic during the time of WWII and wanted to help their soldiers at any cost. Also, Wartime mobilization pulled the American economy out of
depression by employing millions and invigorating the nation as a whole. Since many men left to fight in the war, women were needed in factories for the first time. African Americans also gained opportunities to find good paying war work. War Posters encouraged Americans to support the war effort by buying war bonds, rationing, growing their own food in Victory gardens and enlisting in the military.