When World War II started, tonnage levels at the port decreased and shipping activities were suspended; however, the war did provide economic benefits for the city. Petrochemical refineries and manufacturing plants were constructed along the ship channel because of the demand for petroleum and synthetic rubber products by the defense industry during the war. Ellington Field, initially built during World War I, was revitalized as an advanced training center for bombardiers and navigators. The Brown Shipbuilding Company was founded in 1942 to build ships for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Due to the boom in defense jobs, thousands of new workers migrated to the city, both blacks and whites competing for the higher-paying jobs. President Roosevelt had established a policy of non-discrimination for defense contractors, and blacks gained some opportunities, especially in shipbuilding, although not without resistance from whites and increasing social tensions that erupted into occasional violence. Economic gains of blacks who entered defense industries continued in the postwar years. COUNT 10
QSN1 What event cause shipping activities to be suspended? ANS1 World War II QSN2 Petrochemical refineries and manufacturing plants were built due to the demand for what items during the war? ANS2 petroleum and synthetic rubber products QSN3 When was Ellington Field built? ANS3 during World War I QSN4 When was the Brown Shipbuilding Company founded? ANS4 1942 QSN5 What was the policy created by President Roosevelt due to the boom in defense jobs? ANS5 non-discrimination for defense contractors QSN6 What kind of refineries were built along the Houston ship channel? ANS6 Petrochemical QSN7 To fill what type of demand were refineries built? ANS7 petroleum and synthetic rubber QSN8 What world event caused this increased need for petrochemicals? ANS8 World War II QSN9 Why did thousands of new workers flock to Houston? ANS9 defense jobs QSN10 Which president created a policy of non-discrimination for defense contractors? ANS10 President Roosevelt