Origins of the Cold War: Yalta Conference

1. Choose two points of agreement from the list and explain why they were significant for the future peace of Europe.      

First Point:     During the Yalta Conference, Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill agreed that as countries were liberated from the German Army, they would be allowed to hold free elections to choose the government they wanted. This was very significant for the future peace of Europe, because it ensured democracy in Europe and set to prevent the rise of any totalitarian government or dictators. 



Second Point: The Big Three also agreed to hunt down and punish war criminals who were responsible for the genocide during the holocaust. This was significant because it ensured Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill were serious in working together to ensure the end of Nazism in Europe, and to provide protection and keep the peace in Europe against war criminals.   

2. Read Sources 2 - 11 on pages 320 and 321. What is your overall impression of the Yalta Conference based on these sources?

My overall impression of the Yalta Conference was that all three leaders wanted to work together and had a genuine alliance with each other, however, neither of them fully trusted each other. It seemed Britain and the United States had a stronger alliance with each other on behalf of their hatred for Communism. It seems that Stalin thought Roosevelt and Churchill especially could be easily taken advantage of and looked down upon him. Overall, the Big Three seemed to have a genuine alliance while keeping a distance from each other.  

America Enters World War II

1. What impact did the outbreak of war in Europe have on U.S. foreign and defense policy?   

     When the war broke out in Europe, President Roosevelt asked Congress to increase spending for national defense. Although the United States wanted to stay out of the war, Nazi victories changed U.S thinking, and there was a boost for defense spending. Congress passed the nation's first peacetime military draft, called the Selective Training and Service Act. Under this law, 16 million men were registered. Of these, 1 million were to be drafted only to serve in the Western Hemisphere.
 
2. Why did Roosevelt take one “unneutral” step after another to assist Britain and the Soviet Union in 1941?    

     Roosevelt took one "unneutral" step after another to assist Britain and the Soviet Union in 1941 because he wanted to lend support to any country whose defense was vital to the United States. By late 1940, Britain had no more cash to spend. Roosevelt responded by suggesting a new plan that he called the lend-lease policy. Roosevelt thought this was the only sensible thing to do to prevent U.S involvement in the war. Roosevelt also began sending lend-lease supplies to the Soviet Union when Hitler broke his agreement with Stalin and invaded the Soviet Union.

3. Why was the Atlantic Charter important?   

     The Atlantic Charter was so important because it gave the United States and Britain collective security, disarmament, self-determination, economic cooperation, and freedom of the seas. The Atlantic Charter became the basis of the "Declaration of the United Nations." The United Nations consisted of 26 nations who fought the Axis powers.
     

4. Why did the United States enter into an undeclared shooting war with Germany in fall 1941?   

     The United States entered into an undeclared shooting war with Germany in fall of 1941 because a German submarine fired on the U.S destroyer Greer in the Atlantic. Roosevelt quickly responded by ordering the navy to shoot the German submarines on sight. Weeks later, an American merchant ship was sunk and a U-boat torpedoed the U.S. destroyer Kearny. Days later, German U-boats sank another U.S. destroyer, killing more than 100 sailors. As the death toll continued to rise, the Senate repealed the ban against arming merchant ships and a formal declaration of a full-scale war was inevitable.
 
5. How was oil a source of conflict between Japan and the United States?   

     Oil was such a source of conflict between Japan and the United States because Japan needed oil and the United States cut off trade with Japan. One Japan started taking over French military bases, The U.S protested a new act of aggression by cutting off trade with Japan. This included embargoed goods such as oil, which Japan could not live without. Without oil, Japan could not fuel their war machines. The leaders declared that Japan must either persuade the U.S to end its oil embargo or go to war.  
  
6. What problem would the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor solve for Roosevelt? What new problems would it create?  

   The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor solved the problem of isolationism for Roosevelt. Many who had formally been isolationists now supported an all-out American effort. After the surprise attack, many isolationists believed the only thing left to do was go to war. The attack on Pearl Harbor, however, created several new problems for the United States. The Japanese had killed 2,403 Americans with their surprise attack. The raid had sunk or damaged 21 ships, including 8 battleships, which was nearly the whole U.S Pacific fleet. More than 300 air crafts were severely damaged or destroyed which constituted greater damage than the U.S Navy suffered in World War 1. The surprise attack at Pearl Harbor sent the United States to war with Japan. After Congress approved of Roosevelt's request to rage war with Japan, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States, officially bringing the U.S into World War 2.

Dictators Threaten World Peace

1. Why did the new democracies set up after World War I fail? (And yes, I am aware the answer is in the reading so make sure your answer is in your own words.)      

     The new democracies set up after World War 1 failed for many reasons. For one, the postwar years brought powerful dictators to rise who were driven by the belief in nationalism and the desire for territorial expansion. Another reason was the failure of the Treaty of Versailles which Germany found unfair. These problems overwhelmed the Weimar Republic and the peace settlement did not fulfill Wilson's hopes of a world "safe for democracy." Without democratic traditions, people turned to authoritarian leaders to solve their countries' problems. The new democracies collapsed the dictators were able to seize power.  

2. What are the characteristics of a totalitarian state?     

     A totalitarian state is a country with a government that maintains complete control over its citizens. Individuals have no rights, and the government suppresses all opposition. By 1939, Joseph Stalin had established a totalitarian government. Stalin took control over everything and was determined to eliminate anyone who threatened his power, even his most faithful supporters. 


3. What factors led to the rise of Fascism in Italy?     

     By 1921, Benito Mussolini had accomplished creating a fascist regime in Italy. In 1922, Mussolini marched on Rome with thousands of followers wearing black uniforms. Their uniforms gave them the name "black shirts" Once the important government officials, police, and  army sided with the fascist party, Mussolini was appointed head of the government. 

4. What were the key ideas and goals that Hitler presented in Mein Kampf ?      

     In the book Mein Kampf, Hitler set fourth the basic beliefs of the Nazism that became his plan of action for the Nazi party. Nazism is based on extreme nationalism. Hitler dreamed of uniting all German speaking people in a German Empire. He also wanted to enforce racial "purification" in Germany. Hitler believed in an Aryan race, preferably blue-eyed blonds. Hitler had a dislike for anyone who wasn't white, especially Jews. Another element of Nazism was national expansion. Hitler believed in order for Germany to thrive, they needed more land. 

5. Why did Japan invade Manchuria?     

     Japan decided to invade the Chinese province of Manchuria with a surprise attack  in 1931. In Japan, nationalist military leaders were trying to take control of imperial Japan. They believed in the need for more land for a growing population, same as Hitler. In need of more land, Japan invaded Manchuria. Within several months, Japanese troops controlled the entire province. 

6. What foreign countries were involved in the Spanish Civil War?     

     In 1936, a small group of Spanish army officers rebelled against the Spanish republic. Led by Francisco Franco, this became known as the Spanish Civil War. Fighting against Franco were the Americans. The Americans formed the Abraham Lincoln Battalion consisting of over 3,000 troops. Among these troops were African Americans still bitter about Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia. Franco, however, was backed by Hitler and Mussolini who sent troops, weapons, tanks, and fighter planes. Franco's victory in 1939 established him as the fascist leader of Spain.   

7. What factors contributed to America's growing isolationism?     


     There were many factors that contributed to America's growing isolationism. Most Americans were alarmed by the international conflicts of the mid 1930's but believed they should stay out of it. Public outrage over a flood of books that argued that the United States had been dragged into World War 1, led to the creation of a congressional committee. The Nye committee made the controversy even worse by documenting large profits that banks and manufacturers made during the war. Americans because more determined than ever to avoid war. The Girl Scouts of America even changed the color of their uniforms to appear less militaristic.   

The 2nd New Deal, Minorities, and FDR's Impact

DIRECTIONS: Read, Chapter 23-2, which is about President Roosevelt’s Second New Deal, and then summarize the following important legislative acts. Make sure you include significant details in your summary.


1. What was the Works Progress Administration?


     The Works Progress Administration was one of the government run acts that was designed to help youth, professionals, and other workers. The WPA's main goal was to create as many jobs as possible in as little time as possible. Between 1935-1943, the WPA spend $11 billion to give jobs to more than 8 million workers. These workers build airports throughout the country, constructed or build thousands of miles of road, and put up more than 100,000 buildings across the country. The WPA gave people a sense of hope and purpose. It employed professionals who wrote city guides, painted murals on schools or other public buildings, and people who performed in theaters troupes. 


2. How did the New Deal help labor? (Hint: Wagner Act)


     The New Deal helped with labor by giving millions of Americans immediate jobs which benefited communities and the country as a whole. During the Second New Deal, one of the first acts passed was the Wagner Act or the National Labor Relations Act. This act reestablished the NIRA provision of collective bargaining. The Wagner Act prohibited unfair labor practices such as threatening workers or firing union members. Due to the Wagner Act, the federal government had protection over the rights of workers to join unions, and to engage in collective bargaining with employers.


3. What benefits did the Social Security system provide


     The Social Security system was one of the most important achievements of the second New Deal. The Social Security act had three major parts.
     1. It provided old-age insurance for retirees 65 years or older and their spouses. This helped to make retirement comfortable for millions of people. 
     2. Set up the unemployment compensation system. The system was funded by a federal tax on employers and initial payments ranged from $15 to $18 per week.
     3. The Social Security system provided aid to families with dependent children and the disabled. 


Read pages 710 to 713 in Chapter 23-3 (The New Deal Affects Many Groups) and answer the following questions:


4. Why was the “Black Cabinet” important to the Roosevelt administration?
   
     The "Black Cabinet" was organized by Mary McLeod Bethune. The Black Cabinet was made of up influential African Americans and were there to advice the Roosevelt Administration on racial issues. The black cabinet was important to the Roosevelt administration because it gave African-Americans a voice in the white house.
   


5. Evaluate the actions and policies of the Roosevelt administration on civil rights.

     Roosevelt was never committed to full civil rights for African Americans because of his fear of upsetting white Democratic voters in the South. Roosevelt refused to approve a federal anti-lynching law and to end the poll tax which were two key goals of the civil rights movement. A number of New Deal agencies such as the NRA, CCC, and the TVA discriminated against African Americans resulting in lower wages for them. African-Americans organized the Southern Tenant Farmers Union in 1934, which aimed to protect the rights of tenant farmers both white & black. Overall, most African-Americas supported Roosevelt for they saw him as the best hope for their future.

6. What changes occurred for Native Americans as a result of the New Deal?

     The Native Americans received strong government support under the New Deal. In 1924, Native Americans received full citizenship by law. Appointed by Roosevelt, John Collier helped create the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This act moved away from assimilation of the Native Americans and towards Native American autonomy. This act also helped to restore reservation land to tribal ownership. Economically, Native American land would belong entirely to the tribe. Culturally, children could attend school on the reservations. Politically, tribes were given the right to govern their own reservations.


7. Why was the Wagner Act significant?


     The Wagner Act was significant because it ensure the federal governments protection over the rights of workers. Workers were able to join unions and engage in collective bargaining with employers. They viewed Roosevelt as a "friend of labor" and union workers pledged their vote for him. Between 1933 and 1941, union membership increase from 3 million to over 10 million. They enjoyed better working conditions and increased bargaining power.


DIRECTIONS: Read, Chapter 23-5, which is about the impact of New Deal reforms, and take notes about the lasting effects of those reform on American society.


 8a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for LABOR? 8b. And, what were the lasting effects of these LABOR laws and agencies on American Government and Life?


     The New Deal Laws and Agencies helped to create more jobs for Americans and improve American life. The lasting effect of these labor laws was mainly on the protection of workers rights. rights. New Deal legislation, such as the Wagner Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, set standards for wages and hours, banned child labor, and ensure workers rights to join unions and bargain collectively. The National Labor Relations Board, created under the Wagner Act, continues even today to act as a mediator in labor disputes among employers and unions.


9a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for AGRICULTURE AND RURAL LIFE? 9b. And, what were the lasting effects of these laws and agencies on American Government and Life?


     New Deal policies had a great impact on agriculture and rural life. Government programs, such as rural electrification, helped improve conditions in rural areas. To control surpluses, New Deal farm legislation's set quotas on the production of crops such as wheat. Passed in 1938, the Adjustment Act, gave loans to farmers by the Commodity Credit Corporation. The value of the loans were determined by the amount of a farmer's surplus crops, this intended to keep farmers' income steady. The establishment of agriculture price supports set a precedent of federal aid to farmers that has continued into the 2000s.


10a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for BANKING AND FINANCE  10b. And, what were the lasting effects of these laws and agencies on American Government and Life?


     New Deal programs established new policies in the area of finance and banking. The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), was created in 1934 and continues to monitor the stock market and enforce laws regarding the sale of stocks and bonds. The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, shored up the banking system by reassuring individual depositors  that their savings are protected in the event of bank failure. Individual accounts in United States federal banks are ensured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for up to 100,000$. 




11a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for SOCIAL WELFARE  11b. And, what were the lasting effects of these laws and agencies on American Government and Life?


       One of the most important accomplishments from the New Deal was the creation of the Social Security System. Other reforms, including the creation of the FDIC, SEC, and Social Security, have helped to stabilize the country;s fiances and economy. In the case of an economic downturn, people's savings are insured, and they can receive unemployment compensation if they lose their jobs. Under Roosevelt, the government created the Social Security System, which would give assistance to needy Americans. The Social Security Act provides an old-age insurance program, an unemployment compensation system, and aid to dependent children and the disabled.


12a. What were the New Deal Laws and Agencies created for ENVIRONMENT  12b. And, what were the lasting effects of these laws and agencies on American Government and Life?

     Roosevelt was greatly committed to the conservation of the environment and promoted policies designed to protect the nation's natural resources. The CCC planted trees, created hiking trails, and built buildings across the country. The Soil Conservation Service taught farmers how to conserve the soil through contour plowing, terracing, and crop rotation. The Taylor Grazing Act, passed in 1934, helped reduce grazing on public land. Most importantly, the Tennessee Valley Authority, generated electricity and helped prevent floods in the Tennessee Valley region. The government established new wildlife refuges and set aside large wilderness areas through the national park system. 

FDR and the New Deal

1. What plans did Roosevelt make in the four months while he waited to take office?        


    During the four months while FDR waited to take office, he began to formulate new policies which later became known as The New Deal. The policies of the New Deal aimed for three major goals; relief for the needy, economic recovery, and  financial reform.




2. How successful were FDR's fireside chats?       

  FDR's fireside chats were really successful. Roosevelt explained why the nation's welfare depended on the public's support for the government and the banking system. The fireside chats made it feel as if Roosevelt was speaking directly to American citizens. Roosevelt explained that banks would fail when too many people demanded their savings in cash. Over the next few weeks, many Americans began to return their savings back to the banks. 

3. How did New Deal programs affect various regions of the United States?       


     One of the policies of the New Deal Act was the AAA (Agriculture Adjustment Act). This act sought to raise crop prices by lowering production. The government paid cotton growers 200 million dollars to plow 10 million acres of their crops. The government also paid hog farmers to slaughter 6 million pigs which upset the general public who protested against it. The policy however, left more money in farmer's pockets and helped to raise farm prices. Another act was the Tennessee Valley Authority. The TVA renovated 5 existing damns and constructed 20 new ones. This provided flood control, hydroelectric power, and created thousands of jobs for an impoverished region.The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) put young men to work building roads, developing parks, planting trees, and helping in flood-controlled projects.The Public Works Administration provided money to states to create jobs helping to build schools or other community projects. To help these programs, Roosevelt established the Civil Works Administration which provided 4 million immediate jobs during the winter of 1933. As a result, the CWA build 40,000 more schools, paid the salaries of 50,000 school teachers in rural areas, and build more than half a million miles of road.

4. How did liberal and conservative critics differ in their opposition to the New Deal?            

   
     Liberal's argued that the New Deal did not go far enough to help the poor and to reform the nation's economic situation. Conservative's argued that Roosevelt was spending too much money on direct relief to the    poor and was using the policies of the New Deal to control business and socialize the economy. The AAA and the National Industrial Recovery Act angered the conservative critics because they believed it gave the government too much control over industry and agriculture. They believed the New Deal interfered with the workings of a free-market economy. 

5. Do you think Roosevelt was wrong to try to "pack" the Supreme Court with those in favor of the New Deal? Explain your answer.      

     No, I do not believe Roosevelt was wrong to try to "pack" the Supreme Court with those in favor of the New Deal. Many Americans were benefiting from the policies of the New Deal and Roosevelt feared that further court decisions could break down the New Deal. Of course the President would want the majority of the Supreme Court to be in favor of his policies. With the state of the nation improving and the benefits of the New Deal, Roosevelt wasn't wrong in trying to "pack" the Supreme Court with those in its favor. 




6. Of the New Deal programs discussed in this section, which do you consider the most important?

Explain your choice. Think About:
• the type of assistance offered by each program
• the scope of each program
• the impact of each program       


     While all of the policies of the New Deal were important and beneficial, I would consider the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) to be the most important out of the New Deal programs discussed in this section. The CCC provided young men with immediate jobs. The CCC put men aged 18-25 with jobs building roads, developing parks, and planting trees. By the time the CCC ended, almost 3 million men had passed through. The CCC paid a small wage, 30 dollars a month, 25 dollars was automatically sent home to their families. This gave the men a job while sending money home to help their families who were still unemployed. The CCC supplied the men with free food, uniforms, and shelter. Although most of the camps were segregated, the CCC gave jobs to both whites and African-Americans. The CCC provided employment and money which was desperately needed by millions of Americans and had tremendous accomplishments such as the planting of 3 billion trees, the building of 46,000 bridges, and developing 800 state parks.  

Hardship and Suffering During the Depression

1. What were some of Hoover's key convictions about government?        

     During the Great Depression, President Herbert Hoover tried to reassure Americans that the economy was a sound footing. He wanted Americans to remain optimistic. Many believed they should do nothing and let the economy fix itself, while Hoover believed the government could play a limited role in fixing the nation's problems. Hoover believed that one of government's chief functions was to foster cooperation between competing groups and interests in society. He believed if business and labor were in a conflict, government should step in to settle the dispute. Hoover believed the government's role was to encourage cooperation without controlling it. Hoover opposed any form of human welfare or direct relief to the needy  because of the popular American belief that people should take care of themselves without relying on the government. Instead, Hoover believed charities and organizations should help care for the less fortunate.  


2. What did President Herbert Hoover say and do in response to the Great Depression?       

     In response to the Great Depression, President Hoover asked employers not to cut wages or lay off workers while asking labor leaders not to demand higher wages or go on strike. Hoover also created special organizations to help charities generate contributions to the poor. None of Hoover's changes made much of a difference to the economy. More companies went out of business and unemployment rates continued to increase. One of Hoover's projects did make a difference however. In the fall of 1929, Hoover approved the construction of one of the worlds largest dams, the Boulder Dam. The dam later called the Hoover Dam, provided electricity, flood control, and enabled the growth of California's massive agriculture economy. 

3. Why do you think people blamed Hoover for the nation's difficulties?       

     Hoover became a scapegoat to the general public. Many Americans especially farmers were becoming more depressed and angry with the dwindling economy and blamed Hoover for the nation's difficulties. By 1930, people started calling shantytowns "Hoovervilles" as a direct insult to the president's policies. Homeless people called the newspapers they used to stay warm "Hoover blankets." Many Americans who had hailed Hoover as a great humanitarian now saw him as a heartless leader. Despite the constant criticism, Hoover refused to change his policies and stood his ground.  

4. How did Hoover's belief in "rugged individualism" shape his policies during the Great Depression.

Think About:

• what his belief implies about his view of people

• how that translates into the role of government

• Hoover’s policies (How effective were they?)       

     President Hoover believed in little government intervention. He believed the government should encourage cooperation and looked to the construction of Boulder Dam as a model of how the federal government can do just so. He attempted negotiating among private entities to promote his belief in smaller government. For example, he backed the creation of the Federal Farm Board. The Farm Board was intended to raise crop prices by helping members to buy crops. Hoover also tried persuading the nation's largest banks to establish the National Credit Corporation, loaning money to smaller banks. By late 1931, many people could see Hoover's policies weren't improving the economy. Hoover then signed into law the Federal Home Loan Bank which lowered mortgage rates for homeowners. Hoover's biggest economic measure was the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, passed by Congress in 1932. This bill authorized about 2 billion dollars for emergency financing for banks, life insurance companies, railroads, and other large businesses. Many argued that this would only benefit businesses and the poor still needed direct relief. the RFC was unprecedented example of federal involvement, however, in the end it was too little, too late. 



5. What did the Bonus Army want and how did Hoover respond?      

     The Bonus Army was made up of World War 1 veterans who came to Washington D.C to support a bill under debate in Congress. The Patman Bill authorized the government to pay a bonus to World War 1 veterans who had not been compensated adequately for their wartime services. Hoover opposed the bill believed the Bonus Army to be more like communists and criminals than veterans. Although he opposed the legislation, he respected their right to peacefully assemble and provided them with food and supplies. Hoover then ordered for the Bonus Army to leave but many stayed in hopes they would be able to meet with the president. 

6. When Franklin Delano Roosevelt heard about the attack on the Bonus Army, why was he so certain that he would defeat Hoover?

Think About:

• the American public’s impression of Hoover (See your answer to No. 3)

• Hoover’s actions to alleviate the Great Depression (see your answer to No. 4)

• how people judged Hoover after the attack.       



     When Franklin Delano Roosevelt heard about the attack on the Bonus Army, he was certain he would defeat Hoover in the upcoming election. The violent attack by the government on the veterans left Hoover's political image suffering. Many people were stunned to see such aggressiveness towards veterans. Hoover was already seen by the public in a negative way since they blamed him for the depression and not doing enough to save the economic state of the country. Hoover's inability to deal  effectively with the depression left people turning towards Franklin Roosevelt.