Many Americans were aware of the acts wielded by the numerous zealot leaders throughout Europe and Asia during the 1930s. The memories of World War I were still fresh in citizens’ minds, which caused most to oppose helping our Allies. However, many state and national leaders feared America’s participation in a second world war was imminent. Many states foresaw these inevitable political changes and began preparing for the eventuality of war. In Tennessee, Governor Prentice Cooper understood the dire consequences of unpreparedness and began implementing programs throughout the state. In Middle Tennessee, civilian life dramatically changed almost overnight with the announcement of the construction of the 83,000-acre military installation, Camp Forrest. In 1942, as troops began arriving from throughout the United States, long held cultural beliefs and stereotypes about specific regions in the U.S. began to change. Civilians’ daily lives changed amid the rationing of numerous everyday items, such as sugar, shoes, stockings, gasoline, and tires. With the arrival of prisoners of war from the European front, steadfast beliefs about the enemy began to change. With change in mind our goal is to help visitors learn about Camp Forrest’s impact and the legacies left behind.
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