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Finding Aid of the Homefront records
0247
0247
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Title: Homefront records
Collection number: 0247
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
98.0 Linear feet
101 boxes
Date (inclusive): 1980s
Abstract: The collection contains research materials, administrative files, audiotape interviews, and film reels from a project by the
USC Department of History for a book and PBS television special entitled The Homefront : America during World War II, compiled
by Mark Jonathan Harris, Franklin D. Mitchell, and Steven J. Schechter. The book was published in 1984, and the show was broadcast
in 1985. The project was a collection of first-person accounts of ordinary citizens describing their experiences during the
War.
creator:
Mitchell, Franklin D.
The collection contains research materials, administrative files, audiotape interviews, and film reels from a project by the
USC Department of History for a book and a ninety minute television special for PBS entitled The Homefront : America during
World War II, compiled by Mark Jonathan Harris, Franklin D. Mitchell, and Steven J. Schechter. The book was published in 1984,
and the show was broadcast in 1985. The project was a collection of first-person accounts of ordinary citizens describing
their experiences during the War.
In the 1980s, members of USC's History Department and the School of Cinematic Arts collaborated to produce the book
The Homefront: America during World War II (copyright 1984) followed by a PBS ninety-minute television special of the same title (aired 1985). Led by professors Mark
Jonathan Harris, Franklin D. Mitchell, and Steven J. Schechter, the two departments researched the massive social changes
that occurred in the U.S. as a result of America's mobilization in World War II. The material focuses on the time period from
1941-1945 and culminates in a collection of first-person accounts in which ordinary citizens describe their experiences and
the impact the war had on their lives. The book includes many illustrations and photographs as well as a foreword by Studs
Terkel.
The documentary was produced by PBS, distributed by Churchill Films, and is divided into three thirty- minute segments. Particular
attention was directed toward California because of the increase in industrial plants and the massive migration of defense
workers to the state during the 1940s.
Part 1: "America Goes to War" focuses on the attack on Pearl Harbor and its impact on the people of the nation. Americans
rallied together to produce the machinery necessary for the war effort. Twenty million people migrated to various defense
plants in order to work in the factories. Included in this segment is the impact of the war on minorities, notably African-
Americans and Japanese- Americans, who experienced a bitter war that resulted in riots and internment.
Part II: "The Crucible of War" documents the turning point as America's industrial efforts out produce all other nations combined.
Equally inspiring is the morale of American workers, many of whom worked long hours and were dedicated to the greater good.
Part III: "The Image of a New Nation, D-day" is the beginning of the end. As the war draws to a close, it is apparent that
it has had a profound affect on American society with regards to race relations, urbanization, industrialization of American
life, and the role of women in American society. The war opened doors to both women and minorities that had not been available
to them before. Women were hired in unprecedented numbers, many of whom stayed in the work force. Expanding job opportunities
during the war also went a long way toward changing the lives of African-Americans and other minorities. A broader perspective
is also provided in showing how Americans from many backgrounds escaped the underemployment of the Depression and earned decent
wages, acquired skills and found careers.
The goal of the film was to create a social history of the American people that could appeal to a broad audience, ranging
from youth to the elderly. It was also the first attempt to record on film the memories and insights of Americans who lived
through the war years at home. These interviews are combined with archival film footage, including theatrical film and still
photographs. The film draws heavily on visual material (film documentaries, newsreels, government training films, photographs,
posters, cartoons) and recordings (radio broadcasts, phonograph records) that were produced during the war years.
The film received much acclaim after it was released and won several awards including First Prize at the Baltimore Independent
Film Competition, a Blue Ribbon at the American Film Festival, a Golden Eagle at C.I.N.E., the Chris Statuette at the Columbus
International Film Festival, the Special Jury Award at the Houston International Film Festival, the Silver Award at the International
Film and TV Festival of New York, and the Bronze Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival.
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access. Consult finding aid for additional information.
The collection contains published articles; researchers are reminded of the copyright restrictions imposed by publishers on
reusing their articles and parts of books. It is the responsibility of researchers to acquire permission from publishers when
reusing such materials. The copyright to unpublished materials belongs to the heirs of the writers. Permission to publish,
quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
[Box/folder# or item name], Homefront records, Collection no. 0247, Regional History Collections, Special Collections, USC
Libraries, University of Southern California
The collection was given to USC's Department of Special Collections in 1989 by Frank Mitchell.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Harris, Mark Jonathan, 1941-
Schechter, Steven J.
Audiocassettes
Audiotapes
Correspondence
Documentary films--United States--History--20th century
Homefront: America during World War II
Interviews
Interviews--United States--20th century--Archival resources
Motion pictures (visual works)
Photographs
United States--Biography
United States--History--1933-1945--Sources
United States--Social conditions--1933-1945
Videotapes
World War, 1939-1945--Archival resources
World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives
World War, 1939-1945--Photography
World War, 1939-1945--Sources
World War, 1939-1945--War work--California
World War, 1939-1945--Women--United States