Module 8

  Describe the legacy of World War II for Alaska.  What happened in Alaska after the war that is largely attributable to WW II?  What are Alaskans living with today that is attributable to WW II? 

World War Two dramatically changed Alaska there is no doubt about that. The first thing it did was move Alaska to the forefront of Americas consciousness.  Before the war Alaska was a place of novels and adventure. With the invasion of the Aleutians and focus on the Pacific newsreels brought Alaska to the lower 48. People were able to see what life was like up here and along with newsreels came a flood of federal money.  

I always love this film made by the future Dr. Seuss.

The largest and most obvious project and continuing legacy of WWII was the first land round from the lower 48. The Alaskan Highway made it possible for average American to drive and start a new life in Alaska.  This is exactly what I did last summer and I want to say the work that went into that road was immense. Completed in just a few years cutting through some of the most difficult terrain, it was project that only the federal government could have undertaken.

Me at mile 0 of the Alaskan Highway

Roads were not the only things that were built, military projects sprung up all over such as ports, airfields and bases.  Many of these are still in use today as military facilities but also many have been converted for civilian use. All of these projects brought new workers in and many stayed to make a life up here. All of the federal money gave Alaska a much larger infrastructure than could have been paid for by just the population base.

Alaska is living with many negative legacies of WWII such as pollution, and displaced populations but the one that affects everyone daily is the dependence on the federal government on paying the bills. With such a small population, well positioned Congressional representatives and many federal sites Alaska is the number one receiver of federal dollars per capita.  I am not one to complain with it benefitting me but I does make Alaska very dependent on outside funding and it could be a problem in the future. 

Map of how much federal highway money each state gets

Graphical representation of federal earmarks

Federal stimulus money

I know the issue is not a simple one (population, area, etc.) but it is one that people need to think about.

Is there a National Guard unit in your area?  Describe it, including its mission, size, and recent activities.

For me this examine quest was not to hard to chose since I am a member of the Alaska National Guard.  This is a new experience for me since I had been a member of the Oregon Guard for 10 years prior but I am proud to have joined such a storied organization. 

Directly linked from the Alaska territorial scouts AKA Eskimo scouts or the Tundra Army I am part of the 1-127^th reconnaissance and surveillance squadron.  In civilian speak we are the eyes and ears of the army, trained to locate the enemy.  Made up of cavalry scouts we use HUMVEEs, snow machines, and other vehicles to scout ahead of the lines.  

The different troops are from all over the state including Barrow, Fairbanks, Kodiak, and Kenai.  This makes it hard at times for everyone to get together but also provides a very diverse of Alaskans.  In addition we are made up of about ¼ native Alaskans.

This unit has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in the past 10 years in whole and in smaller groups.  Back in Alaska they have helped out with flooding, security and in the last series of storms to strike the Kenai region they open up Red Cross shelters.

Extend

My village itself was not directly affect by WWII due to its small nature and location but the region of the Prince Williams Sound was.  Observation posts were set up on some of the outer islands and a Cordova had its airfield improved and a garrison of soldiers stationed.  Many men from the region enlisted in the military and served with distinction. 

Other Blogs

Excited about Alaska has a great write up about the evacuation of the Aleuts during World War Two. The single empty room picture was very powerful.

Alaskan History: A newcomers perspective has a great background that gets the feel of Alaska right away. 

Gary's Alaska blog proves without a doubt the strategic importance of Alaska's position in geopolitical politics.  The use of paps gives a quick overview and are well done.

Evaluation

This unit was a fun and easy one for me since my specialty was military history.  I had not spent much time looking in to Alaska but the readings did a great job and I ordered the book listed so I could have a much greater understanding this summer.  We are almost done with the class and I have to admit I am starting to enjoy the bogging part (only a little)