Frequently Asked Questions:
 

What is a war bond?

A war bond is a savings bond used to help a nation fund an expensive war.  During WWI and WWII many bonds were sold to Americans on the home front.  The people that purchased the bonds received the satisfaction that they helped support the soldiers abroad. 

For more information about bonds, click on the following site: http://www.treas.gov/offices/treasurer/savings-bonds.shtml

What does the rationing of food mean during war time?

Embargos and the reduction of food production in war zones can lead to a food shortage.  Victory gardens and the rationing of food were two methods of reducing the amount of food used on the home front.  Victory gardens were small gardens grown on empty lots, on top of buildings, and in yards. The food was used to feed families on the home front so more would be available for soldiers on the frontline.  Food rationing was a process of setting limits on the amount of food a person was allowed to purchase.  Some of the foods rationed were meat, sugar, and coffee.

The U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum found in Fort Lee, Virginia has a great site below:  http://www.qmfound.com/army_subsistence_history.htm

Is it true that the Japanese military sent large balloons carrying bombs toward the United States?

Yes it is. Near the end of World War II, the Japanese military sent thousands of large balloons carrying bombs or fire-starting devices across the ocean toward the west coast of the United States.  Most of the balloons dropped along the coast, but a few made it all the way to South Dakota.  One exploded over Belle Fourche, and a rancher found another on the Cheyenne River Reservation.  One of the balloons is on display at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

For more information click on the following site: http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/wwii/jbb.htm (National Museum of the US Air Force)

Were missile silos built in the Black Hills area during the Cold War?

Yes they were. The last missile silo was demolished in 1996.  There were 149 missile silos built during the Cold War.

For more information, click here.   

National Park Service – missile silo site:
http://www.nps.gov/mimi/history/srs/intro.htm

Who fought on the side of the United States during World War I?

The United States fought for a coalition called the Allied Powers.  The group was comprised of many nations; some of the nations were Russia, Italy, and France.

The opposing powers were called the Central Powers.  The Central Powers included Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire, Germany and Austria-Hungary. 

In what year(s) did the Korean War take place? 

The Korean War lasted from 1950-1953.  Twenty-six thousand South Dakotans fought in the Korean War.

Other United States wars with South Dakota soldiers:

South Dakota

Who fought on the side of the United States during World War II? 

The coalition that the United States fought for was called the Allied Powers.  Some of the members included the Soviet Union, United Kingdom, France, and China.

The opposing group was called the Axis Powers.  The group included powerful countries like Italy, Japan, and Germany.

What is a draft and who is in charge of deciding who would be drafted?

Currently, military involvement in the armed forces is on a volunteer basis.  In the event of a long war or threat to national security, a draft could be reinstated. Congress has the authority to reinstate the draft.  A draft is a process in which eligible draftees are called to active duty by the government.   The Selective Service System is in charge of this process. 

For more information, click on the Selective Service website below:   

http://www.sss.gov/Default.htm

Why was milkweed silk chosen to make life jackets during WWII? 

Milkweed silk was a natural resource found in the United States.  The fibers are water resistant and they have a low density. Children, including those in the South Dakota, collect 14,000 bags of milkweed pods. 

Click on the site below to see a milkweed pod:

(Colorado State University Cooperative Extension)

Click on the South Dakota site below to learn more about life jackets:

http://www.boat-ed.com/sd/course/p4-7_pfds.htm

Were tanks used during World War I?

Yes, tanks were used during World War I.  They looked different than the tanks you see today in Iraq, but they were still effective.  Below you will find a great site, Photos of the Great War: World War One Image Archives, which includes many great photos:

http://www.gwpda.org/photos/greatwr2.htm#weapons

United States Army webpage – 2005 tank photos

The U.S. Ordinance Museum Foundation Inc. – Great tank photos:

http://ordmusfound.org/index.htm

What is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)??

An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile is a missile designed to travel a great distance. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles are designed to fire from one continent to another. The missiles are powered by rockets which fire for a short period of time. The missiles follow a set path called a trajectory. The missiles are guided by the initial trajectory and air resistance.

Click on the following site for more information: http://www.nps.gov/mimi/(National Park Service – Minuteman Missile)

When are the Dakota Pathways shows aired on SDPB?

Throughout the school year Dakota Pathways will air on Mondays and Fridays from 2:15pm – 2:30pm CT. Also, we air Dakota Pathways during the overnight schedule. The overnight schedule can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.sdpb.org/ , in our monthly SDPB Magazine, or in our weekly education newsletter. You can receive the SDPB Magazine by calling our Friends Office at (1-800-333-0789). If you are interested in receiving our weekly newsletter contact our office at EdServices@sdpb.org .

What age group is Dakota Pathways designed for?

Originally, the show was designed for South Dakota 4th graders; although, Dakota Pathways is enjoyed by people of all ages.

How many South Dakota Public Broadcasting Stations are there?

South Dakota Public Broadcasting is South Dakota's statewide public broadcasting network. SDPB is vital community resource producing and broadcasting high-quality, commercial-free programs and valuable community outreach projects that educate, enlighten and entertain.

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How many episodes of Dakota Pathways will be produced?

SDPB TV produced 20 episodes.

How long can I legally use a Dakota Pathway show after I have taped it?

All of the Dakota Pathways episodes are produced by SDPB. You have unlimited educational rights to use these programs. So enjoy them for years. Note: Some of the shows we air are not produced by SDPB and only have rights for a year. Please email EdServices@sdpb.org  if you have questions about other shows.


Feel free to contact EdServices@sdpb.org  if you have additional questions about any of our shows.

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