$$$ 1940s Economy $$$

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 catapulted not only the U.S., but also its economy, into war mode.  Although food and resources were often limited, the war actually created thousands of jobs, so unemployment was almost never a problem for people living in the '40s.  As shown in the chart at right, military jobs were created, but the demand for mechanics and factory workers exploded also.  However, with all metal, extra food, and other materials going overseas to the soldiers, things like automobiles, construction materials, and anything made of rubber, aluminum, or lead, were extremely hard to come by for the Americans on the home front.
So, although unemployment all but vanished, the economy as a whole still suffered due to World War II.