World War II had a major impact on technology and shaping of the Pacific Northwest. Schwantes (409) states “Even before the United States formally declared war on the Axis nations of Japan, Germany, and Italy in 1941, the Pacific Northwest experienced the impact of increased production for defense and aid to friendly nations already at war. The surprised Attack at Pearl Harbor rapidly accelerated that trend. Industries large and small produced ships, barges, aircraft, lumber and various kinds of wood products, metal, food, machinery, clothing, munitions and armaments.

Over the course of our history in the Pacific Northwest, there have been various cultural expectations that have influence the encounters between various groups of northwest people. The Mexican born Spanish people, British and Native American people have encountered each others’ cultural differences for several centuries.

According to Weber (1998), the Spanish, mostly from Mexico were “the first non-Indian settlements in the region. Many of them resided on Vancouver Island and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Research suggests that relations between the Spain and Britain have improved over the years.