During the Second World War, New York became the center of logistics, production and the increase of military resources. While fierce battles were taking place on the territory of Europe, Americans united and provided help to the military and peaceful citizens. Everyone did everything they could for the sake of the future victory. Civil operations took place in the city, which helped the war participants to defend their positions and save hundreds of lives overseas. Find out more about this at new-york-yes.
The US’s entry into World War II
Although America never suffered attacks by other states during World War II, it was a period of trials and challenges for its citizens. Among all the cities, New York had the utmost importance in building up the military and industrial potential. Long before entering the war, New Yorkers were forced to take a responsible decision: to help Europe or not to intervene.
There were many supporters of both positions in the city. Since New York was home to a large number of European immigrants, they called on the American government to help their relatives who were suffering from fascism. Jews were also among the protesters. They sought to draw attention to the extermination of the Jewish nation in Germany. Their opponents were other emigrants who came from Germany to the USA. Even before the beginning of the Second World War, they were members of fascist clubs, for instance, “Friends of New Germany” and “German-American ties”, in which they held activities aimed at supporting Hitler’s policy. This was due to the fact that the German leader wanted more power — to form a “fifth column” of Germans in America.
In order to declare their propaganda goals and draw the attention of the American authorities, natives of Europe organized rallies on the streets of New York. All of them had one thing in common — the desire to participate in the Second World War for the sake of helping the victims and peaceful citizens in Europe.
How did the New Yorkers help the Europeans?
In the Second World War, New York became a support and defense for Europe. In the course of military activities across the Atlantic Ocean, the Americans took a number of effective measures to stop the war and rescue innocent peaceful citizens. For instance, from 1933 to 1945, the University in Exile operated in New York. Scientists from Germany and Eastern Europe were employed there. Employees of this institution helped more than 180 specialists in various fields of science to stay and live in America and return to scientific activities.
Suspicious foreigners who supported the fascist regimes of their countries were also detained in New York according to the decision of the American government. Among them there were natives from Germany, Italy, France and other European countries. They were temporarily kept imprisoned at Ellis Island. In the period of the Second World War, there were about 7,000 people there. After passing the inspection, they were sent together with their relatives to other US states so that they would not arrange civil riots in the streets.
In 1941, there was an event that became the cause of strengthening American military aid to Europe. Then the Japanese dealt a blow to the base of the United States Pacific Fleet — Pearl Harbor. The Americans bewared of an attack from the side of the ocean, so at night they turned off the lights on the bridges and near the Statue of Liberty. Thus, New York became less visible from afar on the Atlantic side.
After that, mass mobilization began in New York. Volunteers went to participate in the Second World War. Among them, there were not only men but also women. A military personnel training school was opened in the Bronx specifically for the representatives of fair sex. Women were recruited into units of the American land forces and the US Navy.
Meanwhile, the production of military machinery, ammunition and other equipment were accelerated in the city. Many factories opened production shops there. New Yorkers delivered new equipment to the battlefield through seaports. In the period of the Second World War, they were the busiest in the entire history of the United States. Also American soldiers were transported across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe.
No less important for the Americans was to provide air defense of neighboring countries that were fighting against the spread of fascism. Hangars of 2 aviation companies were installed on Long Island in New York specifically for this. Among the developers of military aviation facilities, there were not only men but also women. They were engaged in the construction of the largest, heaviest and most expensive planes in the world.
Celebration of Victory Day in New York
After 6 years of fierce fighting, the Second World War ended with the capitulation of Germany. This was announced on May 8, 1945. This event entered history as Victory Day. New Yorkers first celebrated it in Times Square. Hundreds of people gathered there on that day. They took part in the parade and joyfully greeted the American soldiers who sailed on steamers from Europe.
The picture of one of them became famous throughout the world. A photographer and journalist took a photo of the American sailor Glenn McDuffie kissing the nurse Edith Shane, who was wearing a white dress. This touching photo depicts the sincerity of feelings and devotion that remained passionate even after long years of separation.
From then on, the celebration of Victory Day became a tradition in New York. This day forever entered history as the beginning of peace between countries. It preserves the memory of important events and incredible efforts of soldiers who fought for the independence of their Motherland.