By Robyn Moore, Reference Librarian
Texas played a significant role in the United States’ involvement in World War II. While the war caused great upheaval, it also opened up opportunities for various population groups. Women could train as pilots, for instance. Read their first hand stories in Women pilots of World War II. In addition, World War II and Mexican American Civil Rights illuminates the ways Mexican Americans showed up to help the war effort and simultaneously push for their rights.
Besides uniquely Texan stories, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) holds government documents and stories from the rest of the country and overseas battlefields during that time. For example, you can watch the documentary France ’44: The Encirclement at Nancy which discusses the XII Corps’ retaking of the French city of Nancy, as well as commentary describing current military tactics. Or, read Hospital at War: the 95th Evacuation Hospital in World War II to learn more about the challenges of evacuation hospitals, where soldiers were taken who were injured on the front before they could make the journey to a safe city for treatment. Many more titles about World War II are available at TSLAC, with a curated selection currently on display in the Reference Reading Room.
For more information about access to the titles on display, please contact TSLAC reference services at ref@tsl.texas.gov or call 512-436-5455.