War Demands
With a high demand of work for war efforts, unemployment virtually disappeared. California's oil and mineral resources were being used to full capacity. People from all around the country came to California looking for work, even the Mexican border was opened for workers (another issue raised in class!). California received 11.9% of all U.S government war contracts and plants produced 17% of all war supplies.
While industry was booming, so was other parts of California's unique landscape. Deserts became bombing ranges, harbors became naval bases, airports became air bases and infantry and tanks rumbled across farm lands, orchards and deserts.
With all this going on, big cities, turned into mega-cities. This meant transportation also had to grow. California was already on top of the nation of car ownership. The ratio was one car per every 2.3 persons. Los Angeles in particular grew more than any other metropolitan area in the nation. By the end of World War II, the Los Angeles metropolitan area stretched 80 miles solid from the San Fernando Valley to San Bernardino. This as hinted at above, created a new problem that still faces us today... SMOG!
While industry was booming, so was other parts of California's unique landscape. Deserts became bombing ranges, harbors became naval bases, airports became air bases and infantry and tanks rumbled across farm lands, orchards and deserts.
With all this going on, big cities, turned into mega-cities. This meant transportation also had to grow. California was already on top of the nation of car ownership. The ratio was one car per every 2.3 persons. Los Angeles in particular grew more than any other metropolitan area in the nation. By the end of World War II, the Los Angeles metropolitan area stretched 80 miles solid from the San Fernando Valley to San Bernardino. This as hinted at above, created a new problem that still faces us today... SMOG!
July 26, 1943 - The first smog!
1943: In the middle of World War II, Los Angeles residents believe the Japanese are attacking them with chemical warfare. A thick fog that makes people’s eyes sting and their noses run has taken hold of the city. Visibility is cut down to three city blocks.
1943: In the middle of World War II, Los Angeles residents believe the Japanese are attacking them with chemical warfare. A thick fog that makes people’s eyes sting and their noses run has taken hold of the city. Visibility is cut down to three city blocks.