In World War II and Texas (1941-1945), students in grades 6-8 will discover how World War II transformed Texas’s economy and population, bringing about significant social and economic changes. The war ushered in a period of rapid industrial growth and migration from rural areas to urban centers, marking the beginning of Texas’s shift from an agricultural state to an industrial powerhouse.

Texas's long coastline, oil reserves, and vast land perfectly positioned it to support the war effort. The state became a hub for war-related industries and military training, drawing workers and families nationwide. More than 1.2 million troops trained at bases in Texas, while camps for prisoners of war and internment were also established.

Texans played a critical role in the war, making up seven percent of the American forces. Around 750,000 Texans served in the military, with over 22,000 killed or dying of wounds. Notable military leaders from Texas included Admiral Chester Nimitz, commander of the Pacific Fleet, and Dwight Eisenhower, supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Texas’s contributions extended to the political arena, with figures like House Speaker Sam Rayburn influencing national policy.

The war created new opportunities for many Texans. With men fighting overseas, women and minority workers filled the labor gap, taking high-skilled jobs in factories that had previously been closed to them. African Americans, Tejanos, and women served in large numbers, though racial segregation and discrimination persisted. Despite these challenges, military service and work in war industries opened doors and minds, leading many to return home with a new determination to fight for civil rights and equality.

By the end of the war, Texas had changed dramatically. The state’s population had grown by 33 percent, and manufacturing had increased four-fold. Since World War II, Texas has become an increasingly urbanized state with a strong and diversified economy, no longer relying solely on agriculture.

Aligned with US History curriculum standards for grades 6-8, this book provides a comprehensive look at Texas’s role in World War II and its lasting impact on its economy, society, and population. Students will learn how World War II reshaped Texas and set the stage for its future growth and modernization through engaging narratives, maps, and illustrations.