*The conduct of war presents incredible challenges as well as opportunities. These impact the economy of the country as well as the daily lives of all participants. Describe the challenges and opportunities unique to Alaska during World War II.
Challenges
Many people living in Alaska during World War II faced challenges associated with the war. The nature of those challenges were influenced greatly by many things. Obviously some citizens experienced greater challenges than others. Let's take a look at some of the challenges faced by people during World War II.
Aleut Evacuation
The Aleut citizens living on the Islands of Kisku and Atta of the Aleutian Islands probably experienced the impacts of war at its greatest due to close proximity to Japan. For the first time since the occupation of the English in early U.S. history, a foreign country occupied United States lands in the Aleutian Islands. Japanese troops occupied Kisku and Atta, taking nearly 50 prisoners. The U.S. military responded to the threats of the Japanese by evacuating Aleuts living in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands.
Many Native citizens of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands were
forced from their homes and were relocated to abandoned canneries in Southeast Alaska. They had no say as to where they were going and when or if they would return. The Aleuts were given only 24-hours notice that they would leave. They were to use this time to gather their important belongings. They would take little with them as they left home.The living conditions in the camps were inhospitable. The Aleuts were forced to live in cramped old, dilapidated buildings that had not been used for a decade or more. The circumstances were dire. There was not adequate water, sanitation conditions, or medical care. Because of these facts, illness and diseases resulted in a 10 percent death rate.
When the Aleuts returned to their homelands they found them in ruins. Many of their homes had been destroyed so the Japanese would not use them. What the Aleuts had left behind was stolen, damaged, or destroyed. It was a devastating end to an existing injustice. Some of the Aleuts chose not to return to their homeland and chose other places to settle. Eventually, in 1992, the U.S. Government issued an apology to the Aleuts and offered monetary restitution. (November 2010, Aleut Evacuation and Relocation 1942-1945).
Other Wartime Challenges
Other challenges faced Alaskans throughout World War II. U.S. citizens of Japanese decent were detained and held in internment camps during the war. These individuals were pulled from their homes and sent to live in meager camps in the lower 48. Also, residents faced the challenges of living with food rations, censored media, and occasional blackouts. (World War II in Alaska)
Opportunities
World War II brought more money and people to Alaska than the Gold Rush (Video - Alaska: A History in Five Parts). With war came opportunities. Because of Alaska's location on the Great Circle Route, the U.S. Government knew that military defenses were needed in areas of Alaska. Wartime construction changed Alaska. Many new military personnel moved into the area, creating economic opportunities throughout the territory. Infrastructure development such as roads, runway construction, oil pipelines, and communication systems were needed to help Alaska stay connected with the rest of the country and to help defend from invaders. Let's examine some of the opportunities created from World War II.
Alaska Highway Construction and Infrastructure Development
The United States needed a way to get from the lower 48 to Alaska. A road had been discussed by the United States government in the 1930s as they recognized a need for a land route that would extend through Canada and into Alaska. It wasn't until after the U.S. became involved in World War II that construction on the Alaska Highway began.
Alaka Highway Construction
Vilda UAF-2004-92-56
Alaska Territorial Guard and Military Build-Up
The Alaska Territorial Guard was formed by Alaska Natives. Their purpose was to protect the coastal communities of the territory from further invasions of Japan. The ATG, also known as the Eskimo Scouts or Tundra Army, were unpaid volunteers. They were an unorganized militia working to provide intelligence on Japanese movements in the area. The were separate from the National Guard which was considered the organized militia. After the war the ATG became part of the National Guard.Vilda -Heurlin, C. "Rusty" (painter)
Examine Question:
*Explain the purpose of the Aleut evacuation and give at least two examples of how the evacuation affected the Aleuts of Alaska.
As explained earlier, the Aleut citizens of the Alaska territory suffered greatly because of the acts of Japan during World War II. Their story is tragic. The evacuation changed their lives forever as the war destroyed the place they called home. We will look at why the Aleuts were evacuated and how they were affected.
Because of the location of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands on the Great Circle Route, Aleuts were at risk of attack from the Japanese. This was the closest point in the United States from Japan and the Japanese wanted to use this area for bases for future military operations. In June of 1942 a Japanese attack occurred in the Aleutian Islands. To ensure the safety of the Aleuts that called this area their homeland, it was decided that the area needed to be evacuated. These Natives were forced from their homes and taken to deserted camps located in Southeast Alaska.
Aleuts at Evacuation CampVilda ASL-P306-1044
One effect on the Aleuts was high death rates. The camps the Aleuts were forced to live in were unsanitary and inhospitable and were not located near much needed healthcare services. This created unhealthy living circumstances and inability to treat victims. Many Aleuts died because of the poor living situations. A 10 percent death rate existed in the camps. Because of these conditions, many would never return home.
Many Aleuts would die protecting their homes. Several signed on to become part of the military force that would protect their homes. Because of the severity of the battles, many casualties resulted. Many Aleuts would perish because of their fight to overtake the islands.
Many Aleuts would never return to their homelands. Those that did had little to return to. Many of their homes had been burned before they left so that the Japanese could not use them for their purposes. Many of the belongings that were left behind by the Aleuts had been stolen or destroyed. After the war the place they called home would have to be severely reconstructed in order to resemble what had been left.
Evaluate:
I have enjoyed studying much about World War II but have spent little time learning about Alaska's involvement. I have really struggled with the amount of time the course is taking. I have loved the content. What has bee the most difficult is the blogging requirements. It seems to take me forever to get a post ready. Any suggestions to speed this along?
Colleague Reviews:
The Alaskan Adventure
I enjoyed reading Lane's blog as he shared his own experiences with health care in Tatitlek. It is interesting how many places in the state have limited access to what many of us see as necessary services.
My Cove and Beyond
Marg did a great job discussing the changes in formal education for the Natives. The Natives had and still have knowledge that must be shared with future generations. The education system they used was so practical for their existence.
Educational Exploration in AK
Kristin shared a great summary of the troubles the Aleuts and Japanese American citizens faced during evacuation and internment.
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