What helped accelerate California's economy during World War II?

The acceleration of California's economy during World War II was primarily driven by military production and defense industries. The war effort created a massive demand for weapons, aircraft, ships, and other military supplies, which California was uniquely positioned to provide due to its geographic location and existing industrial capabilities.

Major defense contractors, such as Hughes Aircraft, Lockheed, and Douglas Aircraft, expanded operations in the state, leading to significant job creation and economic growth. The influx of jobs attracted a diverse workforce, further boosting local economies as families moved to the state in search of employment. This transformation not only fortified the state's economic landscape but also catalyzed long-term changes in California's industry, shaping it into a major national center for technology and manufacturing in the decades following the war.

While agricultural exports did contribute to the economy and tourism remained important, they did not match the scale of impact that military production had during this specific period. Gold mining was less relevant in the context of World War II, as the focus had shifted to supporting the war effort through industrial means rather than traditional resource extraction.