Monday, May 7, 2012
Berlin Blockade Document Analysis
1. What type of document is this? What is its purpose?
Source A and Source B are both government reports from the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) to President Truman. The purpose of the documents are to mention to the president the possible threat they could be facing from the Soviets and what options are available for them to take.
2. When was it written? Why is that significant?
The documents were written on June 30, 1948. The date the documents were written is significant because the reports were written during the time of the events taking place between the Soviets and America. Source A, was written 2 days after the conference held in Karlshorst, between Russian officials and members of the German industrial committee. Source B, was written 7 days after the justice administration of the Soviet Zone issued a directive on the judicial measures to be taken in connection with currency reform.
3. Who created the document? Who received the document?
The documents were created by the Director of Central Intelligence, R.H Hillenkoetter and were received by president Truman.
4. Who is Marshal Sokolovsky?
Marshal Sokolovsky was a Russian official who led the other Russian officials at the conference in Karlshorst. Sokolovsky was the one who stated the three possibilities the Soviets could take in regards to the United States including; starting a war, lift travel restrictions in Berlin, or leave Berlin to the West.
5. How did the CIA get information of the meeting between Marshal Sokolovsky and German members of the German industrial committee?
The CIA got their information of the meeting between Marshal Sokolovsky and German members of the German industrial committee from a spy, a trusted comrade to the United States who obtained information from the conference and reported it back to U.S officials.
6. What were the three Soviet alternatives as they presented themselves when this document was written? What policy did the Soviets pursue over the course of the next nine months? Why?
The three Soviet alternatives as they presented themselves when this document was written were; to start a war with the U.S, lift travel restriction on Berlin, or leave Berlin entirely to the West, giving them the rail line. The Soviets knew war was impossible due to bad harvest prospects. They didn't want to lift travel restrictions on Berlin because they thought that would make the Russians loose control. Therefore, the Soviets figured the West could feed all of Berlin. Tulpanov, stated that 2,000 tons of food would be needed daily in order to feed the Germans in the Western sectors.
7. Stalin stated in a speech on February 9, 1946, "he [Stalin] blamed the last war on 'capitalist monopolies' and warning that, since the same forces still operated, the USSR must treble the basic materials of national defense such as iron and steel, double coal and oil production, and to delay the manufacture of consumer goods until rearmament was complete." Who are the "capitalist monopolies?" How does this statement enlighten the Soviet viewpoint against the United States? Were the Allies justified in cancelling the shipments of German reparations to the Soviets at the end of World War II? Why did the Soviets rely so heavily on Germany for food and industry?
The "capitalist monopolies" are the enemies of Stalin; the U.S.A, Britain, and France. This statement enlightens the Soviet viewpoint against the United States because it exemplifies the Soviet viewpoint that the United States was their enemy even though they were supposed Allies. The Allies were justified in cancelling the shipments of German reparations to the Soviets at the end of World War II because they were preventing war with the Soviet Union and reducing communist threat to the U.S. After the war, the Soviets needed iron, steel, coal, and oil to build up their troops and their defense. The soviets relied so heavily on Germany for food and industry because Germany was able to produce more amounts of food and supplies due to Germany's industrial advantages. They had industries that the Soviets didn't have, which made the Soviets rely on Germany for food and industry.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Berlin Blockade and Airlift
1. What is Source 37 (p. 75) saying about Josip Tito, leader of Yugoslavia?
2. Why do you think Stalin was so hostile to Tito?
Stalin was so hostile to Tito because Yugoslavia was the only country who refused to follow Stalin's direction and resist aid from the United States. Therefore, Tito loosened Stalin's control over Yugoslavia, focusing Stalin's attention on making sure other countries didn't follow Tito's path. Stalin kept up an ongoing propaganda war with Tito.
3. Look back at the map in Source 27 on page 71. How does the geographical position of Yugoslavia help to explain why Stalin did not take any direct action (such as sending in troops) against Tito?
The geographical position of Yugoslavia helps to explain why Stalin did not take any direct action such as sending in troops against Tito. Yugoslavia is on the far edge of the European countries and is far away from the Soviet Union. Also, Greece is boarding Yugoslavia and Stalin knew Greece was being protected from both Britain and the United States, therefore, he didn't want to risk getting into a conflict.
4. Read Source 40 (p. 77). What reasons did the Soviet Union give for cutting off West Berlin?
The Soviet Union stated that technical difficulties made them cut off West Berlin. They also stated that there was a shortage of coal, therefore, they needed to disrupt electrical power from Soviet power plants to the Western sectors.
5. Why do you think the USA did not believe these were genuine reasons?
6. How do Sources 41–43 differ in their interpretation of the blockade?
Source 41 states that neither side gained any advantage from the blockade. The Soviets did not gain control of Berlin, and the West had no guarantees that there would not be another blockade. Historian Jack Watson states that the blockage only made both sides more stubborn. Source 42 demonstrates the commitment the US had in Berlin refusing to leave the city. Truman states how the Truman Doctrine brought the people of Western Europe closer to the US politically. Truman says that the blockade was a test of US ability to resist communism. However, Source 43 states that the US planned to help Berlin to as a war plan against communism. Source 43 says that the United States were forced to yelid at Berlin because of the conduct of the U.S.S.R.
7. Which do you think is the most useful source for a historian studying the Berlin Blockade?
I think the most useful source for a historian studying the Berlin Blockade is Source 41. Source 41 is most useful because it is written by a historian who is retelling the outcome of the blockage without taking a side. The other two sources are either from the Soviet view of the American view, therefore, the two sources could be a little biased favoring their side.
8. Which source do you think gives the most reliable view of the blockade?
I think Source 41 gives the most reliable view of the blockade because it isn't favoring either side, only stating the facts and the outcome of the blockage. Neither side gained any advantage from the blockage. Both Source 42 and 43 could be limited because they are written from either the Soviet or American view. Truman is trying to make the Untied States sound superior to the Soviet Union while Source 43 is trying to make the US sound weak saying that they were forced to yield at Berlin due to actions taken by the Soviets. Source 44 gives you a picture of American aid to Berlin but it could be staged to make the US look better. Overall, I think Source 41 gives the most reliable view of the blockade since it is written by a historian who isn't taking sides.
Source 37 is depicting Josip Tito as a traitor to the Communist party. He is shown accepting money from the U.S through the American policy of Marshall Aid, which Stalin was against. He is depicted wearing a cloak labeled Judas, who was famously known for betraying Jesus.
2. Why do you think Stalin was so hostile to Tito?
Stalin was so hostile to Tito because Yugoslavia was the only country who refused to follow Stalin's direction and resist aid from the United States. Therefore, Tito loosened Stalin's control over Yugoslavia, focusing Stalin's attention on making sure other countries didn't follow Tito's path. Stalin kept up an ongoing propaganda war with Tito.
3. Look back at the map in Source 27 on page 71. How does the geographical position of Yugoslavia help to explain why Stalin did not take any direct action (such as sending in troops) against Tito?
The geographical position of Yugoslavia helps to explain why Stalin did not take any direct action such as sending in troops against Tito. Yugoslavia is on the far edge of the European countries and is far away from the Soviet Union. Also, Greece is boarding Yugoslavia and Stalin knew Greece was being protected from both Britain and the United States, therefore, he didn't want to risk getting into a conflict.
4. Read Source 40 (p. 77). What reasons did the Soviet Union give for cutting off West Berlin?
The Soviet Union stated that technical difficulties made them cut off West Berlin. They also stated that there was a shortage of coal, therefore, they needed to disrupt electrical power from Soviet power plants to the Western sectors.
5. Why do you think the USA did not believe these were genuine reasons?
The USA did not believe these were genuine reasons because they knew Stalin was trying to gain control of the Eastern European countries without completely breaking their alliance with the US. They saw Berlin as a test case and were not willing to give up. They knew a coal shortage was just an excuse and not a genuine reason for cutting off supplies and food for 2 million people. The United States knew this was just one of Stalin's plans to make Berlin entirely dependent on the Soviets.
6. How do Sources 41–43 differ in their interpretation of the blockade?
Source 41 states that neither side gained any advantage from the blockade. The Soviets did not gain control of Berlin, and the West had no guarantees that there would not be another blockade. Historian Jack Watson states that the blockage only made both sides more stubborn. Source 42 demonstrates the commitment the US had in Berlin refusing to leave the city. Truman states how the Truman Doctrine brought the people of Western Europe closer to the US politically. Truman says that the blockade was a test of US ability to resist communism. However, Source 43 states that the US planned to help Berlin to as a war plan against communism. Source 43 says that the United States were forced to yelid at Berlin because of the conduct of the U.S.S.R.
7. Which do you think is the most useful source for a historian studying the Berlin Blockade?
I think the most useful source for a historian studying the Berlin Blockade is Source 41. Source 41 is most useful because it is written by a historian who is retelling the outcome of the blockage without taking a side. The other two sources are either from the Soviet view of the American view, therefore, the two sources could be a little biased favoring their side.
8. Which source do you think gives the most reliable view of the blockade?
I think Source 41 gives the most reliable view of the blockade because it isn't favoring either side, only stating the facts and the outcome of the blockage. Neither side gained any advantage from the blockage. Both Source 42 and 43 could be limited because they are written from either the Soviet or American view. Truman is trying to make the Untied States sound superior to the Soviet Union while Source 43 is trying to make the US sound weak saying that they were forced to yield at Berlin due to actions taken by the Soviets. Source 44 gives you a picture of American aid to Berlin but it could be staged to make the US look better. Overall, I think Source 41 gives the most reliable view of the blockade since it is written by a historian who isn't taking sides.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Iron Curtain Separates Europe
1. What is your overall impression of Source 26 (p. 70) and use extracts from the source to support your view. (No fence sitting; you must choose one but not both)
• a reasonable assessment of Stalin’s aims based on the facts
• an overreaction to Stalin’s actions based on fear of and prejudice towards the USSR?
My overall impression of Source 26 is that is was an overreaction to Stalin's actions based on fear of and prejudice towards the USSR. They are fearing the worst outcome, which is Stalin taking over the world, to scare people and make them even more anti-communist then they already are. They are exaggerating communist power by saying that because Stalin has taken control of Eastern Europe, he will eventually be able to take control of the whole world.
2. Source 26 is a British source. Does it seem likely that similar documents were being produced by the American government?
It seems likely that similar documents were being produced by the American government because the United States and Britain shared similar views on communism and Stalin. They both believed communism was wrong and didn't trust Stalin. Also, the United States and Britain were very close allies, therefore, it would seem likely that their documents being produced about communism would hold similar views.
3. Study Source 27 (p. 71) and make a list of three different actions that Communists took to achieve power in eastern Europe. Explain how each factor helped.
• a reasonable assessment of Stalin’s aims based on the facts
• an overreaction to Stalin’s actions based on fear of and prejudice towards the USSR?
My overall impression of Source 26 is that is was an overreaction to Stalin's actions based on fear of and prejudice towards the USSR. They are fearing the worst outcome, which is Stalin taking over the world, to scare people and make them even more anti-communist then they already are. They are exaggerating communist power by saying that because Stalin has taken control of Eastern Europe, he will eventually be able to take control of the whole world.
2. Source 26 is a British source. Does it seem likely that similar documents were being produced by the American government?
It seems likely that similar documents were being produced by the American government because the United States and Britain shared similar views on communism and Stalin. They both believed communism was wrong and didn't trust Stalin. Also, the United States and Britain were very close allies, therefore, it would seem likely that their documents being produced about communism would hold similar views.
3. Study Source 27 (p. 71) and make a list of three different actions that Communists took to achieve power in eastern Europe. Explain how each factor helped.
1. In Czechoslovakia, Communists banned any other party except Communism in 1948, making Czechoslovakia a Communist one-party state. This helped Communists achieve power in Eastern Europe because Czechoslovakia was now completely under Communist control.
2. In Romania, Communists abolished the monarchy in 1947.This left Romania under Communist control with a Communist prime minister adding to their power in eastern Europe.
3. Communists imprisoned opposition politicians, and attack Church leaders in Hungary. This ensured Communist power in eastern Europe as Communism was able to become the largest single party.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Truman's Decision to Drop the A-Bomb
1. Who was Harry S. Truman's Secretary of War?
Harry S. Truman's Secretary of War was Henry Stimson.
2. Who was Truman's Chief of Staff?
Truman's Chief of Staff was Admiral William D. Leahy.
3. Why did Truman believe nuclear bombs needed to be used?
Truman believed nuclear bombs needed to be used because he was insistent on Japan's unconditional surrender and believed because of their culture, they would not surrender to the United States. He knew such a catastrophe would force them to end the war.
4. Why did Admiral Leahy believe nuclear bombs didn't need to be used?
Admiral Leahy believed nuclear warfare was not needed with the Japanese because he found the weapon to be barbarous. He also believed the Japanese would have surrendered because they were already defeated due to the effective sea blockade.
5. Why did Supreme Allied Commander and future president Dwight D. Eisenhower believe they didn't need to be used?
Future president Dwight D. Eisenhower believed the atomic bombs were unwarranted and even immoral. He believed with Admiral Leahy, that the Japanese were already defeated and very close to surrender to the United States and didn't think the bombs were necessary. Japan had already suffered major losses due to the battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the firebombing of Tokyo, and Operation Starvation, and were on the verge of surrender. Therefore, dropping the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were unnecessary.
6. Critics of Truman fall into two camps. One was that he acted rashly because of his "inferior foreign policy skills" when compared to FDR. What is the other major criticism?
While some critics thought Truman acted rashly because of his "inferior foreign policy skills," others thought the vast amount of money spent on the Manhattan Project pressured him to drop the bombs. Truman had announced that they had spent approximately 2 billion dollars on the Manhattan Project. This led not only critics, but also Truman's secretary of war, Stimson, and Admiral Leahy to believe the cost of the Manhattan Project played a role in his decision to bomb Japan.
7. Key critics of Truman's use of the bomb weren't on the "historical fringe," but were who?
The Key critics of Truman's use of the bomb weren't only on the "historical fringe," but were also his own secretary of war, Stimson, and Admiral Leahy. Leahy wrote in his memoir that Truman knew that scientists wanted to make this test because of the amount of money spent on the project.
8. Truman began to soften on his stance for unconditional surrender but something occurred that changed his mind for good. What was that?
The successful Trinity test of the atom bomb in the New Mexico desert changed Truman's mind for good on his stance for unconditional surrender.
9. Besides defeating Japan what was Truman's other possible motivation for using the nuclear bombs on Japan?
While defeating Japan was one of Truman's motivations, another was warn the Soviet's about the atom bomb the U.S had. Truman thought the bomb had a role in a looming geopolitical contest with the Soviet Union.
11. The four-power surrender ultimatum to be presented to Japan was to be written and decided upon where?
The four-power surrender ultimatum to be presented to Japan would be written and decided upon the Potsdam Conference, set for July 1945.
12. What did the Washington Post editorialize about "unconditional surrender"?
The Washington Post echoed the softening of Truman's surrender terms. They did not think unconditional surrender was ever an ideal formula.
13. What is the significance of Paragraph 12 in the draft copy of the Potsdam Proclamation prior to Truman setting sail on the USSAugusta? (More detail is needed for this question)
Paragraph 12 in the draft copy of the Potsdam Proclamation was significant because it gave comfort to the Japanese with regard to the maintenance of their emperor. Paragraph 12 clearly stated that once the U.S had completed their objective, they would be withdrawn from Japan and the Japanese would be left to govern themselves. They ensured that the Japanese would be able to determine the fate of their own emperor. Paragraph 12 shows how Truman had softened the surrender terms as desired by his advisers.
14. What changed when the Proclamation was publicly announced on July 26?
When the Proclamation was publicly announced on July 26, paragraph 12 had been altered and the passage comforting the Japanese emperor had been removed.
15. According to the author, what might have changed Truman's mind to alter the wording in Paragraph 12? (More detail is needed for this question)
According to Jarecki, the success of the Trinity Test might have changed Truman's mind to alter the wording in Paragraph 12. After Truman was informed that the Trinity Test was successful, the bomb seemed to have shifted in his mind from a tool to end the war with Japan, to one that could establish America's primacy in the postwar global balance of power. Truman knew the United States was the only country with a weapon of mass destruction, and figured that the atom bomb would make the U.S superior over other countries including the Soviet Union. America's posture toward a postwar Soviet Union played as much a motivating force behind the atomic bombing of Japan as the desire to end the war.
16. Regarding his diary entry of a conversation with Winston Churchill (who is call "P.M." in the entry) what does the author suggest about Truman's attitude with the bomb despite learning what he does from Churchill?
Regarding Truman's diary entry of a conversation with Churchill, Jarecki suggests that Truman was most focused on the postwar relationship between the U.S and the Soviet Union than ending the war in the pacific. Churchill believed the Japanese would surrender soon, however, Truman was more influenced by his recognition of the strategic relevance of the atom bomb. He knew the Trinity Test was a success and was excited to use the bomb for real.
17. What does his caption on the back of the photo of Stalin and Truman suggest about the use of the bomb?
The caption on the back of the photo of Stalin and Truman suggest that the atom bomb will be the most effective and powerful weapon of warfare.
18. "From a foreign policy perspective" what two accomplishments were made by dropping the bomb?
From a foreign policy perspective, the use of the bombs ended the war with Japan and fired the first shot in the Cold War against the Soviet Union.
19. To give credit to Truman, why didn't he know what FDR's intentions were with the bomb?
Truman didn't know what FDR's intentions were with the bomb because the path to Hiroshima and Nagaski began in the concentration of executive power by FDR. Since Truman was vice president, he knew little about the Manhattan Project because FDR refused to reveal anything to him. Also, Truman could not have known FDR's full intentions with the atom bomb since FDR died before Germany surrendered.
20. How did the discrepancy between the loss of 1 million U.S. soldiers lives versus 20,000 to 40,000 if Japan's mainland would have been invaded, affect the understanding of their use?
The discrepancy between the loss of 1 million U.S soldier lives vs. 20,000 to 40,000 if Japan's mainland would have been invaded affected the understanding of the bomb's use because many believed because of the atomic bombs, this saved more lives by preventing further battles. If they hadn't dropped the atomic bomb and had to invade Japan's mainland, there would have been a lot of casualties and deaths for both sides. The end of the war would have been further away.
21. Based on your readings, this reading, and discussion in class, in a paragraph or two, answer the following: To what extent was President Truman's decision to drop bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki justified?
Harry S. Truman's Secretary of War was Henry Stimson.
2. Who was Truman's Chief of Staff?
Truman's Chief of Staff was Admiral William D. Leahy.
3. Why did Truman believe nuclear bombs needed to be used?
Truman believed nuclear bombs needed to be used because he was insistent on Japan's unconditional surrender and believed because of their culture, they would not surrender to the United States. He knew such a catastrophe would force them to end the war.
4. Why did Admiral Leahy believe nuclear bombs didn't need to be used?
Admiral Leahy believed nuclear warfare was not needed with the Japanese because he found the weapon to be barbarous. He also believed the Japanese would have surrendered because they were already defeated due to the effective sea blockade.
5. Why did Supreme Allied Commander and future president Dwight D. Eisenhower believe they didn't need to be used?
Future president Dwight D. Eisenhower believed the atomic bombs were unwarranted and even immoral. He believed with Admiral Leahy, that the Japanese were already defeated and very close to surrender to the United States and didn't think the bombs were necessary. Japan had already suffered major losses due to the battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the firebombing of Tokyo, and Operation Starvation, and were on the verge of surrender. Therefore, dropping the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were unnecessary.
6. Critics of Truman fall into two camps. One was that he acted rashly because of his "inferior foreign policy skills" when compared to FDR. What is the other major criticism?
While some critics thought Truman acted rashly because of his "inferior foreign policy skills," others thought the vast amount of money spent on the Manhattan Project pressured him to drop the bombs. Truman had announced that they had spent approximately 2 billion dollars on the Manhattan Project. This led not only critics, but also Truman's secretary of war, Stimson, and Admiral Leahy to believe the cost of the Manhattan Project played a role in his decision to bomb Japan.
7. Key critics of Truman's use of the bomb weren't on the "historical fringe," but were who?
The Key critics of Truman's use of the bomb weren't only on the "historical fringe," but were also his own secretary of war, Stimson, and Admiral Leahy. Leahy wrote in his memoir that Truman knew that scientists wanted to make this test because of the amount of money spent on the project.
8. Truman began to soften on his stance for unconditional surrender but something occurred that changed his mind for good. What was that?
The successful Trinity test of the atom bomb in the New Mexico desert changed Truman's mind for good on his stance for unconditional surrender.
9. Besides defeating Japan what was Truman's other possible motivation for using the nuclear bombs on Japan?
While defeating Japan was one of Truman's motivations, another was warn the Soviet's about the atom bomb the U.S had. Truman thought the bomb had a role in a looming geopolitical contest with the Soviet Union.
11. The four-power surrender ultimatum to be presented to Japan was to be written and decided upon where?
The four-power surrender ultimatum to be presented to Japan would be written and decided upon the Potsdam Conference, set for July 1945.
12. What did the Washington Post editorialize about "unconditional surrender"?
The Washington Post echoed the softening of Truman's surrender terms. They did not think unconditional surrender was ever an ideal formula.
13. What is the significance of Paragraph 12 in the draft copy of the Potsdam Proclamation prior to Truman setting sail on the USSAugusta? (More detail is needed for this question)
Paragraph 12 in the draft copy of the Potsdam Proclamation was significant because it gave comfort to the Japanese with regard to the maintenance of their emperor. Paragraph 12 clearly stated that once the U.S had completed their objective, they would be withdrawn from Japan and the Japanese would be left to govern themselves. They ensured that the Japanese would be able to determine the fate of their own emperor. Paragraph 12 shows how Truman had softened the surrender terms as desired by his advisers.
14. What changed when the Proclamation was publicly announced on July 26?
When the Proclamation was publicly announced on July 26, paragraph 12 had been altered and the passage comforting the Japanese emperor had been removed.
According to Jarecki, the success of the Trinity Test might have changed Truman's mind to alter the wording in Paragraph 12. After Truman was informed that the Trinity Test was successful, the bomb seemed to have shifted in his mind from a tool to end the war with Japan, to one that could establish America's primacy in the postwar global balance of power. Truman knew the United States was the only country with a weapon of mass destruction, and figured that the atom bomb would make the U.S superior over other countries including the Soviet Union. America's posture toward a postwar Soviet Union played as much a motivating force behind the atomic bombing of Japan as the desire to end the war.
16. Regarding his diary entry of a conversation with Winston Churchill (who is call "P.M." in the entry) what does the author suggest about Truman's attitude with the bomb despite learning what he does from Churchill?
Regarding Truman's diary entry of a conversation with Churchill, Jarecki suggests that Truman was most focused on the postwar relationship between the U.S and the Soviet Union than ending the war in the pacific. Churchill believed the Japanese would surrender soon, however, Truman was more influenced by his recognition of the strategic relevance of the atom bomb. He knew the Trinity Test was a success and was excited to use the bomb for real.
17. What does his caption on the back of the photo of Stalin and Truman suggest about the use of the bomb?
The caption on the back of the photo of Stalin and Truman suggest that the atom bomb will be the most effective and powerful weapon of warfare.
18. "From a foreign policy perspective" what two accomplishments were made by dropping the bomb?
From a foreign policy perspective, the use of the bombs ended the war with Japan and fired the first shot in the Cold War against the Soviet Union.
19. To give credit to Truman, why didn't he know what FDR's intentions were with the bomb?
Truman didn't know what FDR's intentions were with the bomb because the path to Hiroshima and Nagaski began in the concentration of executive power by FDR. Since Truman was vice president, he knew little about the Manhattan Project because FDR refused to reveal anything to him. Also, Truman could not have known FDR's full intentions with the atom bomb since FDR died before Germany surrendered.
The discrepancy between the loss of 1 million U.S soldier lives vs. 20,000 to 40,000 if Japan's mainland would have been invaded affected the understanding of the bomb's use because many believed because of the atomic bombs, this saved more lives by preventing further battles. If they hadn't dropped the atomic bomb and had to invade Japan's mainland, there would have been a lot of casualties and deaths for both sides. The end of the war would have been further away.
21. Based on your readings, this reading, and discussion in class, in a paragraph or two, answer the following: To what extent was President Truman's decision to drop bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki justified?
President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was justified. Even though Churchill and many of Truman's advisers believed the Japanese were close to surrendering, they could not have been sure. The Japanese were very centered around their culture and did not believe in surrendering. They found it to be dishonorable and many would rather kill themselves then surrender. The Japanese became desperate and starting using kamikaze suicide pilots instead of surrendering. Although many Japanese lives were lost due to the bombing, many more would have died if World War 2 continued to expand and escalate. Thousands more of American, Japanese, and civilian lives would have been lost if the U.S had to invade Japan's mainland. With the surrender of Germany, it was time for the war in the Pacific to come to an end and with the creation of the atom bomb, this gave the U.S a way to end the war without sacrificing any more America lives. While killing civilians and vast amounts of them is immoral, this was a time of war and war is a brutal concept where you have to put the security of your own country first. Truman wanted the war with Japan to end and for the Soviet Union to back off the United States, and the dropping of the atomic bomb did both.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The Potsdam Conference
1. Read Source 17 (p 68). At Yalta, Churchill and Roosevelt had agreed with Stalin that eastern Europe would be a Soviet ‘sphere of influence’. Do you think Source 17 is what they had in mind?
No, I do not think Source 17 is what Roosevelt and Churchill had in mind when they agreed with Stalin that eastern Europe would be a Soviet "sphere of influence." They did not want Stalin creating such a large scale of communism in eastern Europe, which is exactly what he was doing. Stalin and his troops had already taken control over Finland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Baltic States. He had already set up a Communist government in Poland, even though Churchill and Roosevelt opposed this.
2. Would they agree with Stalin’s views expressed in Sources 17 and 18? Explain your answer.
Roosevelt and Churchill would disagree with the views expressed by Stalin in Sources 17 and 18. Both Churchill and Roosevelt did not like the beliefs of the Communist party and did not want a communist government in eastern Europe. Stalin tried to justify his actions by stating "everyone imposes his own system as far as his army has power to do so, it can not be otherwise." The one thing Churchill and Roosevelt didn't want was another dictator in Europe. Churchill would disagree with Stalin's claim that Greece does not had a truly representative government because Britain had helped to created an anti-communist government in Greece.
3. Explain how each of the three developments described in the text might affect relationships at Potsdam.
1 Stalin’s armies were occupying most of eastern Europe: This development might affect relationships at Potsdam because Churchill and Roosevelt did not want Stalin taking over most of eastern Europe because of his communist beliefs. Even though they were suppose allies, Stalin denied Britain and the United States' wished to takeover Poland.
2 America had a new president: Once Roosevelt died, he was replaced with his vice president, Truman. This could affect the relationship at Potsdam because Churchill and Stalin don't know him very well and Truman was much more anti-communist than Roosevelt. He was very suspicious of Stalin and his anti-communism and suspicion could offset the alliance between all three.
3 The USA had developed an atomic bomb: This gave the U.S an advantage over other countries. This also made other countries jealous and worried as they felt threatened with this new weapon of warfare. The trust and alliance they had was on the edge with a weapon that could wipe out cities and created massive damage.
No, I do not think Source 17 is what Roosevelt and Churchill had in mind when they agreed with Stalin that eastern Europe would be a Soviet "sphere of influence." They did not want Stalin creating such a large scale of communism in eastern Europe, which is exactly what he was doing. Stalin and his troops had already taken control over Finland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Baltic States. He had already set up a Communist government in Poland, even though Churchill and Roosevelt opposed this.
2. Would they agree with Stalin’s views expressed in Sources 17 and 18? Explain your answer.
Roosevelt and Churchill would disagree with the views expressed by Stalin in Sources 17 and 18. Both Churchill and Roosevelt did not like the beliefs of the Communist party and did not want a communist government in eastern Europe. Stalin tried to justify his actions by stating "everyone imposes his own system as far as his army has power to do so, it can not be otherwise." The one thing Churchill and Roosevelt didn't want was another dictator in Europe. Churchill would disagree with Stalin's claim that Greece does not had a truly representative government because Britain had helped to created an anti-communist government in Greece.
3. Explain how each of the three developments described in the text might affect relationships at Potsdam.
1 Stalin’s armies were occupying most of eastern Europe: This development might affect relationships at Potsdam because Churchill and Roosevelt did not want Stalin taking over most of eastern Europe because of his communist beliefs. Even though they were suppose allies, Stalin denied Britain and the United States' wished to takeover Poland.
2 America had a new president: Once Roosevelt died, he was replaced with his vice president, Truman. This could affect the relationship at Potsdam because Churchill and Stalin don't know him very well and Truman was much more anti-communist than Roosevelt. He was very suspicious of Stalin and his anti-communism and suspicion could offset the alliance between all three.
3 The USA had developed an atomic bomb: This gave the U.S an advantage over other countries. This also made other countries jealous and worried as they felt threatened with this new weapon of warfare. The trust and alliance they had was on the edge with a weapon that could wipe out cities and created massive damage.
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?
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.
Monday, April 9, 2012
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.
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?
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.
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