Post–World War II Utah
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When World War II ended in 1945, all Americans had to return to a state of normalcy.[1] Utahns had their own unique experience transitioning to normal after the war. The fact that Utah had a majority population that was both white and LDS meant that its demographics were different than any other state in the country. This caused many differences in how Utah had to transition after the war. Utah had changed a lot during the war, with about 70,000 residents going off to fight in the war.[2] Almost 1500 Utah residents were casualties of World War II.[3] Whenever these soldiers returned from the war, they wanted to attend school. The G.I. Bill allowed many men to return from war and immediately begin their schooling at one of the multiple universities in the state. While many were off fighting in the war, life on the home front changed as well. Economic devastation brought on by the Great Depression created a need for change and wartime industry brought on post-war economic improvement.[4] A Japanese Internment Camp was set up in Utah in 1942 while shutting down in 1945.[5] Many of these Japanese Americans resettled in the state, causing a racial divide in the previously white and LDS-dominated state. To remember those who have fallen and reflect on these changes that occurred, 38 total WWII memorials have been built throughout the state of Utah.[6]