Florida in World War II: The Sunshine State at War

This course explores Florida's pivotal role during the Second World War, examining how the state was transformed from a tourist destination into a vital military hub. We look at the establishment of massive training bases, the impact of German U-boat activity off the Atlantic coast, and the social shifts brought by the influx of service members. Participants will learn about civilian defense efforts, the use of POW labor in agriculture, and the economic boom that laid the foundation for modern Florida. The program provides a factual look at the infrastructure and domestic challenges that redefined the state's identity during the 1940s.