1. What factors have affected viewpoints on Truman's decision?
There were many factors that affected viewpoints on Truman's decision to use the atomic bombs on Japan. One of them for example, was that when Truman received details of secret Japanese signals that showed that the Japanese military were determined to fight to the finish, Truman came to the conclusion that the bomb had to be used as a 'normal' weapon without any warning. Another reason was that while testing the bomb, all the tests indicated that the bomb was of such power that no country could recover from its impact. From that being said, and the estimated number of casualties if they did invade Japan, Truman believed that since invading Japan would be so dangerous and could kill so many American lives, it was best for them to just use the atomic bomb.
2. Do you think he made the right decision? Give your reasons.
I think that the decision was the right one. Using the atomic bomb saved thousands of American Soldiers lives, and stopped the bloody invasion in Japan from happening. I think the most important thing at the time was to think about how to protect our people, not worry about the others. If we didn't use the atomic bomb, there would have been millions of either dead soldiers, or many casualties. It's often argued that the bomb used on Japan was unnecessary, and immorally wrong. Another reason is that by using the atomic bomb on Japan, we stopped the war from continuing. Since it was said that many military leaders planned to overthrow Hirohito and continue the war. Therefor in conclusion, by using the atomic bombs America successfully stopped the deaths of thousands of American soldiers, and stopped the war from continuing.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
War in the Pacific
stop at the page 790 25-3
1. What was the importance of the Battle of Midway?
The battle of Midway was a very important battle because it was known to be the turning point of the war. America had the upper hand in the battle, and caught the Japanese with their planes still on the decks of the carriers. The result of the battle was devastating, the Japanese lost 4 aircraft carriers, a cruiser, and 250 planes. It was said by a Japanese official that America had even "avenged Pearl Harbor" Soon after this battle, America began "island hopping" and island by island they won territory back from the Japanese. Thus making the battle the turning point of the war.
2. What strategy did the United States adopt in fighting Japan?
While fighting Japan, the United States adopted the strategy of island hopping. Where the United States Marine Corps would take one island at a time as they make their way toward Japan.
3. Why did the Japanese fight so hard on Iwo Jima?
The Japanese fought extremely hard on Iwo Jima because it held 20,700 Japanese troops. Also, if America had successfully won the battle on Iwo Jima, this now meant they had one more obstacle (Okinawa) then they would be able to bomb Japan, having it be the end for Japan in the war.
4. Why did the Allies believe Okinawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan?
The Allies believed that Okinawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan because the battle cost thousands of American lives, and it was overall a very difficult and long battle. Much harder than the battle on Iwo Jima. America realized that the invasion of Japan would cost them even more lives of American soliders, and would be even more of a challenge that the battle in Okinawa.
5. What was the Manhattan Project?
The Manhattan Project was a secret development of the atomic bomb led by General Leslie Groves and by American Scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer. This was where they tested the atomic bomb, which ended successfully.
6. Ultimately, why did President Truman decide to drop atomic bombs on Japan?
President Truman decided to drop the atomic bombs on Japan because he believed this was the only way to end the war with Japan. He had even warned Japan that if they did not surrender now, they would be faced with grave danger soon. But they refused to surrender, giving Truman no choice but to enforce the atomic bombs.
1. What was the importance of the Battle of Midway?
The battle of Midway was a very important battle because it was known to be the turning point of the war. America had the upper hand in the battle, and caught the Japanese with their planes still on the decks of the carriers. The result of the battle was devastating, the Japanese lost 4 aircraft carriers, a cruiser, and 250 planes. It was said by a Japanese official that America had even "avenged Pearl Harbor" Soon after this battle, America began "island hopping" and island by island they won territory back from the Japanese. Thus making the battle the turning point of the war.
2. What strategy did the United States adopt in fighting Japan?
While fighting Japan, the United States adopted the strategy of island hopping. Where the United States Marine Corps would take one island at a time as they make their way toward Japan.
3. Why did the Japanese fight so hard on Iwo Jima?
The Japanese fought extremely hard on Iwo Jima because it held 20,700 Japanese troops. Also, if America had successfully won the battle on Iwo Jima, this now meant they had one more obstacle (Okinawa) then they would be able to bomb Japan, having it be the end for Japan in the war.
4. Why did the Allies believe Okinawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan?
The Allies believed that Okinawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan because the battle cost thousands of American lives, and it was overall a very difficult and long battle. Much harder than the battle on Iwo Jima. America realized that the invasion of Japan would cost them even more lives of American soliders, and would be even more of a challenge that the battle in Okinawa.
5. What was the Manhattan Project?
The Manhattan Project was a secret development of the atomic bomb led by General Leslie Groves and by American Scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer. This was where they tested the atomic bomb, which ended successfully.
6. Ultimately, why did President Truman decide to drop atomic bombs on Japan?
President Truman decided to drop the atomic bombs on Japan because he believed this was the only way to end the war with Japan. He had even warned Japan that if they did not surrender now, they would be faced with grave danger soon. But they refused to surrender, giving Truman no choice but to enforce the atomic bombs.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
War for Europe and North Africa - Part II
6. What was D-Day?
D-Day, June 6th 1944, was the day that the 3 million british, american, and canadian troops gathered to attack Normandy in Northern France. D-Day was the first day of the allies invasion. Shortly after midnight, three divisions parachuted down from German lines. They were followed in the early morning by thousands upon thousands of seaborn soldiers- the largest land-sea-air operation in army history.
7. What happened at the Battle of the Bulge?
When America captured its first German town, the Hitler responded by ordering his troops to break through the Allied lines and to recapture the Belgium port of Antwerp. Thus creating the Battle of the Bulge. At the battle eight German tank divisions broke through the weak American defenses. The tanks drove 60 miles into the territory of the Allies, creating a bulge in the lines that gave the battle it's name. The battle lasted for a month, the Germans were a bit pushed back, but other than that nothing seemed to change.
8. What did Allied troops find in Germany?
Allied troops found the horrid Nazi death camps in Germany.
9. What happened to Hitler? What happened to F.D. Roosevelt? Who became U.S. President?
After America's finding of the Nazi death camps, Hitler killed himself realizing that this was the end for him anyways. Roosevelt soon after had a stroke and died, electing vice president Harry. S. Truman as the nations 33rd president.
D-Day, June 6th 1944, was the day that the 3 million british, american, and canadian troops gathered to attack Normandy in Northern France. D-Day was the first day of the allies invasion. Shortly after midnight, three divisions parachuted down from German lines. They were followed in the early morning by thousands upon thousands of seaborn soldiers- the largest land-sea-air operation in army history.
7. What happened at the Battle of the Bulge?
When America captured its first German town, the Hitler responded by ordering his troops to break through the Allied lines and to recapture the Belgium port of Antwerp. Thus creating the Battle of the Bulge. At the battle eight German tank divisions broke through the weak American defenses. The tanks drove 60 miles into the territory of the Allies, creating a bulge in the lines that gave the battle it's name. The battle lasted for a month, the Germans were a bit pushed back, but other than that nothing seemed to change.
8. What did Allied troops find in Germany?
Allied troops found the horrid Nazi death camps in Germany.
9. What happened to Hitler? What happened to F.D. Roosevelt? Who became U.S. President?
After America's finding of the Nazi death camps, Hitler killed himself realizing that this was the end for him anyways. Roosevelt soon after had a stroke and died, electing vice president Harry. S. Truman as the nations 33rd president.
Monday, March 8, 2010
War for Europe & North Africa
1. To what did Roosevelt and Churchill agree early in the war?
Roosevelt and Churchill, early in the war, agreed that they should first strike Hitler, since Churchill believed that Germany and Italy posed a greater threat than Japan.
2. Why was winning the Battle of the Atlantic so crucial to the fortunes of the Allies?
Winning the Battle of the Atlantic was very crucial to the fortunes of the allies because their ships were used to carry food and war supplies across the Atlantic. Great Britain had greatly depended on these supplies and if Germany were to successfully win the Battle of the Atlantic, Britain would be starved into submission.
3. Why was the Battle of Stalingrad so important?
The Battle of Stalingrad was so important for many reasons. At first, Germany had complete control over the situation. They invaded Stalingrad, were taking down homes one by one, and by the end of September they controlled nine-tenths of the city. But when the Soviet Union stepped in, everything took a huge turn and now the Soviet Union troops were in control. In the end, the Soviets lost a total of 1,100,000 soldiers, but the victory was marked a turning point in the war, and after that the Soviet army began to move westward towards Germany.
4. What happened in the war in North Africa?
In the War in North Africa, some 107,000 allied troops landed in Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers in North America, in the hopes of launching an Operation Launch. From there they spread eastward chasing the Afrika Korps led by General Erwin Rommel. After months of hard fighting, the last of the Afrika Korps surrendered. America believed they were masters of the North Africa Shores.
5. What happened after the Allies invaded Italy?
After the Allies invaded Italy the Italian government forced their dictator Mussolini to be removed as their dictator, and arrested. Although unfortunately the Germans remained in Italy trying to fight off the Allies for a very long time.
Roosevelt and Churchill, early in the war, agreed that they should first strike Hitler, since Churchill believed that Germany and Italy posed a greater threat than Japan.
2. Why was winning the Battle of the Atlantic so crucial to the fortunes of the Allies?
Winning the Battle of the Atlantic was very crucial to the fortunes of the allies because their ships were used to carry food and war supplies across the Atlantic. Great Britain had greatly depended on these supplies and if Germany were to successfully win the Battle of the Atlantic, Britain would be starved into submission.
3. Why was the Battle of Stalingrad so important?
The Battle of Stalingrad was so important for many reasons. At first, Germany had complete control over the situation. They invaded Stalingrad, were taking down homes one by one, and by the end of September they controlled nine-tenths of the city. But when the Soviet Union stepped in, everything took a huge turn and now the Soviet Union troops were in control. In the end, the Soviets lost a total of 1,100,000 soldiers, but the victory was marked a turning point in the war, and after that the Soviet army began to move westward towards Germany.
4. What happened in the war in North Africa?
In the War in North Africa, some 107,000 allied troops landed in Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers in North America, in the hopes of launching an Operation Launch. From there they spread eastward chasing the Afrika Korps led by General Erwin Rommel. After months of hard fighting, the last of the Afrika Korps surrendered. America believed they were masters of the North Africa Shores.
5. What happened after the Allies invaded Italy?
After the Allies invaded Italy the Italian government forced their dictator Mussolini to be removed as their dictator, and arrested. Although unfortunately the Germans remained in Italy trying to fight off the Allies for a very long time.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Mobilizing for WWII
Mobilizing for War and note how each of the following contributed to that effort.
1. Selective Service System: The Selective Service System contributed to the war effort by adding in 5 million volunteers to the military service.
2. Women: Women contributed to the war effort by volunteering in the war. They worked in jobs away from violence like electricians, nurses, ambulance drivers, and radio operators.
3. Minorities: even though minorities were a great help to the war efforts, they were also greatly discriminated against, and many people were prejudice against them like they were to women. They fought in the war, though they didn't like that they'd be fighting against other races in the war. Many ethnic groups all volunteered, like Asian-Americans, African-Amricans, and Native-Americans, and were a huge help to the war efforts.
4. Manufacturers: Manufacturers were a huge help to the war effort because they switched their products that they were making into producing combat materials for the war. For example an automobile industries switched from making cars to making ships, planes, and much more. These industries were a huge help since after the Pearl Harbor Attack many American ships and planes were a necessity since they were destroyed.
5. Office of Scientific Research and Development(OSRD): The OSRD contributed to the war effort by improving sonar and radar, inventing drugs (ex. penicillan) and the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb was the main accomplishment though. They made a program called the Manhattan Project that investigated and researched how to make the atomic bomb. They focused on this because Albert Einstein told FDR that German scientists had figured out how to extract uranium atoms which made a lot of energ, or a powerful bomb. Also, Improving sonar and radar made it possible to locate submarines, and penicillan saved many lives.
6 Entertainment industry: The film industry made many movies about the Soviet Union being our ally, the Nazis, and romances. These movies had many different effects. After Pearl Harbor many war-oriented propaganda films like Mission To Moscow, and Song of Russia, kept that war fever going. Other "hiss and boo" movies stirred up hatred against the Nazi's. In this way, movies energized people to join the war effort.
7. Office of Price Administration (OPA): FDR made this administration to keep inflation below 30% and to reduce consumer demands on daily products. It raised the income tax and spread to people who hadn't paid it before, making workers not able to spend as much. This adminstration kept the inflation steady throughout World War II.
8. War Production Board (WPB): The WPD controlled the companies by telling them what they can make, and where they can send the materials to a company. The WPD recycled many things like paper, tin, and also cooking fat for war goods. This then led to many children helping out by collecting all the materials that could be recycled.
9. Rationing: Rationing helped with the war effort by limiting many Americans at home to the amount of food they were able to purchase. They had to buy things with coupons that raised the prices, which only made them not want to buy as much since it was costly. Americans also couldn't buy gasoline which greatly impacted the west by them not being able to get around. This was very good for the war since more gasoline and oil could be given to the ships, planes, and automobiles being used in the war.
1. Selective Service System: The Selective Service System contributed to the war effort by adding in 5 million volunteers to the military service.
2. Women: Women contributed to the war effort by volunteering in the war. They worked in jobs away from violence like electricians, nurses, ambulance drivers, and radio operators.
3. Minorities: even though minorities were a great help to the war efforts, they were also greatly discriminated against, and many people were prejudice against them like they were to women. They fought in the war, though they didn't like that they'd be fighting against other races in the war. Many ethnic groups all volunteered, like Asian-Americans, African-Amricans, and Native-Americans, and were a huge help to the war efforts.
4. Manufacturers: Manufacturers were a huge help to the war effort because they switched their products that they were making into producing combat materials for the war. For example an automobile industries switched from making cars to making ships, planes, and much more. These industries were a huge help since after the Pearl Harbor Attack many American ships and planes were a necessity since they were destroyed.
5. Office of Scientific Research and Development(OSRD): The OSRD contributed to the war effort by improving sonar and radar, inventing drugs (ex. penicillan) and the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb was the main accomplishment though. They made a program called the Manhattan Project that investigated and researched how to make the atomic bomb. They focused on this because Albert Einstein told FDR that German scientists had figured out how to extract uranium atoms which made a lot of energ, or a powerful bomb. Also, Improving sonar and radar made it possible to locate submarines, and penicillan saved many lives.
6 Entertainment industry: The film industry made many movies about the Soviet Union being our ally, the Nazis, and romances. These movies had many different effects. After Pearl Harbor many war-oriented propaganda films like Mission To Moscow, and Song of Russia, kept that war fever going. Other "hiss and boo" movies stirred up hatred against the Nazi's. In this way, movies energized people to join the war effort.
7. Office of Price Administration (OPA): FDR made this administration to keep inflation below 30% and to reduce consumer demands on daily products. It raised the income tax and spread to people who hadn't paid it before, making workers not able to spend as much. This adminstration kept the inflation steady throughout World War II.
8. War Production Board (WPB): The WPD controlled the companies by telling them what they can make, and where they can send the materials to a company. The WPD recycled many things like paper, tin, and also cooking fat for war goods. This then led to many children helping out by collecting all the materials that could be recycled.
9. Rationing: Rationing helped with the war effort by limiting many Americans at home to the amount of food they were able to purchase. They had to buy things with coupons that raised the prices, which only made them not want to buy as much since it was costly. Americans also couldn't buy gasoline which greatly impacted the west by them not being able to get around. This was very good for the war since more gasoline and oil could be given to the ships, planes, and automobiles being used in the war.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Japan and U.S. Relations in 1941
The IA question: Using the documents and your own knowledge assess the state of diplomatic relations between Japan and the U.S. in 1941.
Section B: Brief Summary of Evidence
Japan and U.S. Relations in 1941
Document A:
-Japan wants to force China to surrender and then eventually, have the Soviet Union surrender also
-Strong probability that their advancement to the South will enable Germany and Italy to defeat England
-Plan to strike a heavy blow at America's source of strategic materials
-They think they should be able to ring off Asia and conquer all those countries hostile to them one by one
-Plan to defeat America and England
Document B:
-Japanese man represents Japan
-Japan portrayed as small and very quick
-FDR and others reading newspaper titled 'Pacific Situation'
-Japan is circling them
Document C:
-The negotiations will be ended with America
-Japan does not want to give off the impression that the negotiations were broken off
-Plan on saying to America that Japan is awaiting instructions
-The United States is unbending, and making it impossible for Japan to establish negotiations
Document D:
-Japan's empire is standing at the point of destruction
-Japan plans on bringing the government and military even closer together
-Plan on making an all-out effort to achieve their war aims
Document E:
-United States attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan
-The Unites States believed they were at peace with Japan
-Japanese Ambassador states that the existing diplomatic negotiations would no longer be existing
-The attack was deliberately planned many days or weeks ago
-Japan had sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace
-War had existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire
Section B: Brief Summary of Evidence
Japan and U.S. Relations in 1941
Document A:
-Japan wants to force China to surrender and then eventually, have the Soviet Union surrender also
-Strong probability that their advancement to the South will enable Germany and Italy to defeat England
-Plan to strike a heavy blow at America's source of strategic materials
-They think they should be able to ring off Asia and conquer all those countries hostile to them one by one
-Plan to defeat America and England
Document B:
-Japanese man represents Japan
-Japan portrayed as small and very quick
-FDR and others reading newspaper titled 'Pacific Situation'
-Japan is circling them
Document C:
-The negotiations will be ended with America
-Japan does not want to give off the impression that the negotiations were broken off
-Plan on saying to America that Japan is awaiting instructions
-The United States is unbending, and making it impossible for Japan to establish negotiations
Document D:
-Japan's empire is standing at the point of destruction
-Japan plans on bringing the government and military even closer together
-Plan on making an all-out effort to achieve their war aims
Document E:
-United States attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan
-The Unites States believed they were at peace with Japan
-Japanese Ambassador states that the existing diplomatic negotiations would no longer be existing
-The attack was deliberately planned many days or weeks ago
-Japan had sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace
-War had existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
America Moves Toward War
1. What did the 1939 Neutrality Act allow?
The 1939 Neutrality Act allowed warring nations to buy U.S. arms as long as they paid cash and transported them in their own ships. This act was known as "cash and carry".
2. Who were the Axis powers?
The Axis powers were Germany, Italy, and Japan. When they had signed a mutual defense treaty they had been known as that.
3. What did the Lend-Lease Act do?
The Lend-Lease act was a plan that the President would lend or lease arms or other supplies to "any country whose defense was vital to the united states". Roosevelt felt that it was the only sensible thing to do to prevent the fire from spreading to your own property.
4. What pledges were contained in the Atlantic Charter?
The pledges contained in the Atlantic Charter were, collective security, disarmament, self-determination, economic cooperation, and freedom of the seas.
5. Who were the Allies?
The Allies were the nations that had fought the Axis powers.
6. What did the attack at Pearl Harbor do to the U.s. Pacific fleet?
The attack at Pearl Harbor, did a great deal to the U.S. pacific fleet. Japan had caught America off guard with our defenses down so of course the out come was not good. Japan had killed 2,403 Americans, and wounded 1,178 in less than two hours. The surprise raid had a lot sunk or damaged about 21 American ships, including 8 battleships. Which is nearly the WHOLE pacific fleet. These losses constituted greater damage than the U.S. navy had suffered in all of World War 1.
7. Why did Germany and Italy declare war on the U.S.?
Germany and Italy declared war on the United States in response to Roosevelt's declaration of war against Japan.
The 1939 Neutrality Act allowed warring nations to buy U.S. arms as long as they paid cash and transported them in their own ships. This act was known as "cash and carry".
2. Who were the Axis powers?
The Axis powers were Germany, Italy, and Japan. When they had signed a mutual defense treaty they had been known as that.
3. What did the Lend-Lease Act do?
The Lend-Lease act was a plan that the President would lend or lease arms or other supplies to "any country whose defense was vital to the united states". Roosevelt felt that it was the only sensible thing to do to prevent the fire from spreading to your own property.
4. What pledges were contained in the Atlantic Charter?
The pledges contained in the Atlantic Charter were, collective security, disarmament, self-determination, economic cooperation, and freedom of the seas.
5. Who were the Allies?
The Allies were the nations that had fought the Axis powers.
6. What did the attack at Pearl Harbor do to the U.s. Pacific fleet?
The attack at Pearl Harbor, did a great deal to the U.S. pacific fleet. Japan had caught America off guard with our defenses down so of course the out come was not good. Japan had killed 2,403 Americans, and wounded 1,178 in less than two hours. The surprise raid had a lot sunk or damaged about 21 American ships, including 8 battleships. Which is nearly the WHOLE pacific fleet. These losses constituted greater damage than the U.S. navy had suffered in all of World War 1.
7. Why did Germany and Italy declare war on the U.S.?
Germany and Italy declared war on the United States in response to Roosevelt's declaration of war against Japan.
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