World War II History in Wisconsin | BIG History
![WHI Image ID #106688 WWII In Wisconsin, featuring Josh Sanford, Ho Chunk, US Pilot smiling at the camera](jpg/7032.jpg)
World War II History in Wisconsin
Sept. 2, 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II (1939-1945), a global war between the Allies (United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and China) and the Axis Powers (Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan). Roughly 320,000 Wisconsin soldiers served in the armed forces during the war. More than 8,000 Wisconsin soldiers died and another 13,000 were wounded.
Wisconsin citizens actively participated in the war effort both at home and abroad. Until the war ended, the daily challenges of wartime shortages of food, gasoline, and other essential goods were a part of everyone's life. At the same time, World War II expanded Wisconsin's industrial and agricultural resources, increasing production and employment levels while raising the standard of living and the state's economic security.
The Society has put together a page with stories, images, and artifacts from our World War II collections. These items just scratch the surface of the history of the war in Wisconsin. Please take an opportunity to explore these resources below.
Overlooked and Undervalued
History tends to focus on the contributions of white men during the war, overlooking and undervaluing the efforts of the more than 9,000 women and the contributions of Black, American Indian, Asian-American, and Latino-American. While the Society’s collection includes items honoring the service of these underrepresented women and men, it is important to acknowledge that the work to expand this collection to an equitable level continues.
![Three African American field artillery soldiers (from Battery F of the 349th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma) crossing a creek on a TD-18 diesel crawler tractor and 155 mm gun. The commanding officer of the 349th was Colonel A.L.P. Sands.](jpg/6805.jpg)
Three African American field artillery soldiers crossing a creek on a TD-18 diesel crawler tractor (TracTracTor) and 155 mm gun. The soldiers were from Battery F of the 349th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The commanding officer of the 349th was Colonel A.L.P. Sands. View the original source document: WHI 6630
Explore World War II History
Learn more about World War II and its impact on Wisconsin and beyond through these historical essays.
Fascinating Items From Our Historical Collections
The Society has thousands of items related to World War II available to explore in our online collections. Here are a few highlights.
Compelling Images from the Society's Historical Collections
Read More from the WHS Press
Check out these related books from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. They are available at your favorite book retailer, online, or through most e-book vendors.