Description
The United States reluctantly (or willingly?) entered World War I right near
the end of the war. We sat back and watched the world ask for help, but
decided the time to act was when a few Americans died on a ship that was
probably carrying munitions across the Atlantic. We fought World War I, took
part in the victory ceremonies, didn't get the League of Nations, and spiraled
off into the Great Depression.
Fast forward a decade or so and we hear about all the noise Hitler is creating
in Europe and news of the Japanese atrocities reach our shores as well. But we
pretend we hear and see no evil. We feel that since we have oceans separating
us from these problems, there is no way that we will feel the pains the other
nations are facing.
After 1939 we begin to produce goods for the Allies, and also a few of the
"enemies" but we claim neutrality! Of course if we are making money, in the
midst of a depression, then who are we to turn anyone's money away? But some
people across oceans viewed our aide as a direct declaration of war against them.
And we can't forget about a few, ok more than a few, Japanese ships sailing in
absolute radio silence towards a now popular vacation spot in Hawaii. Our
world, not the rest of the world though, is abruptly changed on December 7th,
1941. Now all bets are off and we have been attacked so we must fight.
The nation ended its depression by turning industry upside down, our European
allies got some much needed help, and our soldiers learned exactly how
atrocious the Japanese were.
But hey in the end its all about who won, right?
USA links
Visit the History Channel's website on World War II where you can find
valuable information about the conflict.
http://www.history.com/minisites/worldwartwo
Explore some historical background about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
What were they after? What did they hope to accomplish by making this attack?
http://www.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/25/pearl_harbour/index.htm
How the United States came into World War II. Why didn't their neutral stance
last? Make sure you know and become familiar with the term "lend-lease."
http://www.worldwariihistory.info/WWII/United-States.html
Other Resources
Don't be afraid to think outside of the box. Some of the greatest people in
history became infamous simply by not accepting what they saw in front of
them. Be daring and dangerous but also be careful of impostors.
Use your textbook, notes, classmates, your teacher, the Internet,
encyclopedias, anything that you can cite as evidence for your argument.
Don't limit yourself because an answer might be right around the corner...