[vsnedker]

I hav got 2 write a history essay on How did American GIs stationed in Britain affect the british people. Anything small or large But PLEASE HELP!!!

[Mrs Faithorn]

Although I have spent quite some time searching, I can't find any good web links for you I'm afraid although there do seem to be several books on the subject if you can find them in your local library. Eg:

• Rich Relations: The American Occupation of Britain 1942-1945 (Paperback) by David Reynolds
  
• Got Any Gum Chum? - GIs in Wartime Britain 1942-1945 by Helen Millgate
  

Some of things you need to consider are:
The effects that American GIs had on the local economy in the areas where they were stationed. Compared with British workers they were well-paid and so had a beneficial effect when they spent their money in pubs and shops.

Social effects: It was often said at the time that American GIs were "over paid, over sexed and over here" which goes to they were not always popular with British men even though the free-spending Americans were popular with many British women. I think about 30,000 'GI brides' went back to the USA with their American husbands after the end of the war and there were many illegitimate babies too. Another social effect of some importance was that in the areas where American GIs were stationed few British people had met black people before and although the British thought that American segregation was deplorable when it came to reality there was considerable racial prejudice shown towards black American GIs.


I'll carry on looking for web sites and if I find anything useful will post again. Sorry not to be more helpful.