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from 1942 1. “Operation Torch: U.S. Launches North African Invasion” (November 8, 1942): On November 8, 1942, the United States launched Operation Torch, a massive invasion of North Africa. The invasion was led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower and included forces from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Free French forces under General Henri Giraud. The operation was a success and resulted in the capture of the key ports of Casablanca and Oran. 2. “Battle of Stalingrad Begins” (November 19, 1942): On November 19, 1942, the Battle of Stalingrad began as German forces attempted to capture the city from the Soviet Union. The battle was one of the bloodiest in history, with both sides suffering massive casualties. In the end, the Soviets were able to repel the Germans and the battle was a major turning point in World War II, leading to the eventual Allied victory. 3. “U.S. and Japanese Naval Battle at Guadalcanal” (November 13, 1942): On November 13, 1942, the United States and Japanese navies clashed off the coast of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The

U.S. House History Blog

29.04.2025

The Records of Resilience and Resolve: The Great Depression and World War II (1929–1945) | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives

During the 1930s and 1940s, Americans endured economic catastrophe and world war. The 1929 stock market crash devasted the global economy and stripped many Americans of their livelihoods and property. The New Deal—a series of federal policies intended to boost the economy—aided suffering Americans and expanded the role of the government. As the United States struggled through the Great Depression and practiced isolationism, dictatorships in other countries gained power. Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939 ignited a conflict that would soon erupt into the Second World War. The U.S. entered the war in December 1941 following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and declarations of war by Germany and Italy. Increased war production pulled the United States out of the Great Depression and changed the face of the workforce. When the war ended in 1945, the United States emerged with strengthened political, military, and economic power. Learn more about the United States during the Great Depression and World War II with these records from the House of Representatives.As records of the past, some primary sources reflect outdated, biased, and offensive views and opinions that are no longer commonly accepted in the United States. Through civil discourse, active listening, and empathy, students should analyze these perspectives and their impact on the country’s development.Transcriptions and downloadable PDFs of these records are available at the links below.Discussion Questions:What are the responsibilities of governments during times of crisis?What strategies did the government use to assist Americans during the Great Depression? Brainstorm other strategies and explain how they might have helped Americans.Were New Deal projects conducted in your area? Discuss their immediate and long-term effects on your community.Consider how isolationism and pacifism are different. What were the isolationist arguments for staying out of World War II? What were the pacifist arguments?During World War II, the roles and freedoms of some Americans changed. Identify specific examples and discuss how the historical circumstances of the period contributed to these changes.How did women contribute to the war effort? How did their contributions change their role in American society?Why is it important to examine records from this historical era?1933, Engrossed Copy of Glass–Steagall ActThe Banking Act of 1933, more commonly known as the Glass–Steagall Act, was passed in the wake of the October 1929 stock market crash that plunged the nation into the Great Depression. The act sought tighter regulation of the financial industry mainly by separating the interests of commercial and investment banks. The legislation also created of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—a mechanism for insuring deposits through a pool of funds contributed by participating banks.1935, Letter Supporting Social SecurityOhio resident A.E. Bosley wrote this letter to Representative Dow Harter of Ohio on March 5, 1935, regarding the proposed social security legislation in the House. Mr. Bosley endorsed an “Old Age Pension Plan of the National Government.” The Social Security Act was considered part of the “Second New Deal” legislation, which shifted from emergency measures that propped up the economy to programs that sought to provide a long-term social safety net.ca. 1939–1944, Regionalized Types of Farming in the United StatesDuring the Great Depression of the 1930s, the large number of Americans migrating between states drew the attention of the House of Representatives. To study this phenomenon, the House formed the Select Committee to Investigate the Migration of Destitute Citizens in April 1940. The select committee used this map of regionalized types of farming to better understand the relationship between agriculture and interstate migration.1941, The Lend–Lease Act of 1941After two months of hearings and debate, the House of Representatives passed this bill, H.R. 1776, “An Act to Promote the Defense of the United States,” which became known as the Lend–Lease Act. President Franklin Roosevelt proposed a lend–lease system that distributed military aid to “the government of any country whose defense the President deems vital to the defense of the United States.” This plan allowed the United States to continue to support the war against the Axis powers without involving American troops in a foreign war. Congressional isolationists, who opposed intervention in the war, asserted that a lend–lease policy disregarded American neutrality and gave the President “practically unlimited” authority.1941, Tally Sheet for Declaration of War against JapanThis tally sheet, documenting the House’s decision to declare war against Japan on December 8, 1941, is notable because of the lone “nay” vote. Despite pressure from her fellow Members, Montana Representative Jeannette Rankin, a lifelong pacifist who had voted against U.S. entry into World War I decades before, refused to vote yes, present, or to abstain from the vote entirely. She justified her position by remarking, “As a woman I can’t go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else.”1942, Japanese Internment BillThe United States entered World War II in December 1941 after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, authorizing evacuation of persons of Japanese descent. On March 17, 1942, the Committee on Military Affairs issued House Report No. 1906, recommending the passage of H.R. 6758, which gave teeth to the executive order by creating a “penalty for violation of restrictions or orders.” The bill became Public Law 77-503 on March 21, 1942, signaling the beginning of the relocation and internment of Japanese American residents of western states and the territory of Hawaii. Close to 120,000 individuals of Japanese descent, American citizens and Japanese citizens legally residing in the United States, were interned before the relocation order was rescinded in 1944.1944, Equal Pay for Equal Work BillWinifred Stanley of New York introduced H.R. 5056 in 1944 when the United States was nearing the end of World War II. The war mobilized women into the workforce in unprecedented numbers. Stanley had the foresight to see how the return of men serving overseas and the reduction of work related to war production could affect women’s employment. Equal pay for equal work eventually became law when John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act in 1963.Interested in more records from this era?1930, Star-Spangled Banner Telegram1930, Limiting Apportionment to Citizens1930, World War Veterans Request Bonus Payment1931, Exclusion of Non-Citizens from Apportionment1934, Oscar De Priest Discharge Petition1937, Letter Opposing the Fair Labor Standards Act1938, Letter Supporting Fair Labor Standards Act1938, Conference Report on the Fair Labor Standards Act1938, Supporting a National Vote to Declare War1939, Letter on Federal Art Projectca. 1941, Map of Florida Everglades Drainage District1941, Thanksgiving Holiday Bill1941, Small Businesses and National Defense1941, Radar Plot from Station Opana1942, Letter Supporting Internment1942, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps Bill1942, Letter Urging Restraint in Internment1945, Defeat Un-Equal Rights AmendmentThis is part of a blog series about records from different eras of U.S. history.

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