In the 1930s, Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, began expanding its territory, starting with the annexation of Austria and the invasion of Czechoslovakia while Japan was pursuing imperial expansion. Tensions in the Pacific escalated, and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Japan, further straining relations. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S., leading to the United States' official entry into World War II.

During WWII, Americans on the home front made significant contributions to the war effort through rationing, war production, and military enlistment. Factories shifted to produce war materials such as weapons, tanks, and airplanes, while citizens conserved resources like food, rubber, and gasoline through government-mandated rationing programs. As you go through this activity, notice how the American horse racing industry also shifted to support the war effort during World War II. Pictured: Program from Belmont Park (Museum Collection)

Oil on Canvas. Miche was an Argentinian thoroughbred and was imported into the United States by Muriel Vanderbilt Adams. In this painting, Miche is depicted going to the post for the 1952 Santa Anita Handicap.

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The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Miche

This is an ad that The Jockey Club put out during World War 2 for donations of binoculars. Cardboard sign.

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Binocular Placard

A program from a race meet at Belmont Park (Long Island, New York) on November 6-15, 1944.

Standards for Supporting the War Effort on the Home Front

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework