Uncovering the post-war character of Detroit

History comes alive this January with a look at the impact World War II had on Detroit’s housing crisis.

“What happens during the war sets much of the tone for the post-war housing crisis in Detroit,” said Oakland University Associate Professor History Karen Miller, “the commitment to public education erodes; wartime housing policy reinforces segregation and racial discrimination; and public officials develop a tolerance for not providing key services like sewer and fire protection.”

Detroit experienced a colossal increase in population between 1939 and 1945 due to the defense expansion after the war broke out in Europe. The federal government chose Detroit as a center for weapons production, which triggered a demand for at least 100,000 workers. These workers often brought their families, placing pressure on the existing infrastructure. Among the many consequences of this boom, the transformation of the city’s population created a housing crisis that still affects the city today. Miller is currently developing a book that addresses these issues and examines problems of resources for the civilian population of Detroit during World War II.

History Comes Alive: See calendar listing for the Jan. 14 lecture on Detroit's housing in WWII.

“The argument turns around home life: the difficulties of finding a place to live, getting to and from work and educating children,” Miller said. “I believe that the conditions that evolve during the war help to mold the post-war character of Detroit.”

The January 14, 2015 lecture examines the housing issue and its aftermath. Admission is free and the event will be held in the Oakland Center Gold Rooms B and C at 7 p.m. The lecture is one of several in Oakland’s “History Comes Alive” series, which explores inquiries into the past and highlights a variety of historic experiences.