Modern US History Midterm 2- documents

Civilian Conservation Corps 1933

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public work relief program established in 1933 as part of the New Deal during the Great Depression. It aimed to provide jobs for young men, particularly those aged 18 to 25, who were unemployed and struggling to support their families. The CCC focused on environmental conservation projects, such as planting trees, building flood barriers, and developing national parks. Participants, often referred to as "CCC boys," received a small wage, with a portion sent home to their families. The program not only helped improve the nation's natural resources but also fostered a sense of community and purpose among its workers. By the time it ended in 1942, the CCC had employed over three million young men and contributed significantly to the conservation of America's landscapes.

Share the Wealth Plan 1935

The Share the Wealth Plan was introduced in 1935 by Huey Long, a Louisiana senator and former governor. It aimed to address economic inequality during the Great Depression by proposing wealth redistribution. Long's plan called for the government to limit personal fortunes, with excess wealth being used to provide a guaranteed income, free education, and housing for all citizens. The idea was to ensure that every American could achieve a decent standard of living. The Share the Wealth movement gained significant popularity, attracting millions of supporters, but it also faced criticism and opposition from various political groups. Ultimately, the plan was never fully implemented, but it highlighted the growing demand for economic reform during a challenging time in American history.

Social Security Act 1935

The Social Security Act of 1935 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that established a system of federal old-age benefits and unemployment insurance. It aimed to provide financial assistance to the elderly and support those who were unemployed during the Great Depression. The Act created a social insurance program that required workers to pay into the system through payroll taxes, which would then fund retirement benefits for eligible individuals. Additionally, it included provisions for aid to dependent children, the blind, and the disabled. The Social Security Act laid the foundation for the modern welfare state in the U.S. and significantly changed the relationship between the government and its citizens by providing a safety net for those in need.

Republican and Democrat Platforms (1936)

The 1936 election was a significant test of the New Deal and Roosevelt's policies.  Democrats supported the New Deal, framing its actions within the context of the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence.  Republicans, however, criticized the New Deal, highlighting what they considered abuses of power by the Roosevelt administration.  The differing viewpoints of the two parties on the New Deal's impact formed the core of their platforms in the 1936 election.

The Atlantic Charter 1944

The Atlantic Charter, established in August 1941, was a pivotal policy statement between the United States and the United Kingdom during World War II. It outlined the goals for the post-war world and included key principles such as the right of all peoples to choose their own government, economic cooperation, and the promotion of social welfare. The Charter emphasized disarmament and the importance of collective security through a future international organization, which later became the United Nations. Though it was created in 1941, it set the stage for discussions and agreements that continued into 1944 and beyond, influencing the direction of international relations after the war.

Japanese American Evacuation and Internment 1944

The Japanese American evacuation and internment during World War II primarily occurred in 1942, not 1944, but it had lasting effects throughout the war. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the U.S. government, driven by fear and prejudice, ordered the forced relocation and internment of about 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens. 

They were placed in internment camps under Executive Order 9066, which justified these actions as a military necessity. The conditions in these camps were often harsh, with families living in cramped quarters and facing significant loss of property and livelihood. 

In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the internment policies in the case of Korematsu v. United States, a decision that has since been widely criticized. It wasn't until later that the government acknowledged the wrongfulness of these actions, leading to reparations and a formal apology in the 1980s. The internment remains a significant and painful chapter in American history, highlighting issues of civil rights and racial discrimination.

The Yalta Accords 1945

The Yalta Accords, established during the Yalta Conference in February 1945, were a series of agreements made by the leaders of the Allied powers: Franklin D. Roosevelt (United States), Winston Churchill (United Kingdom), and Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union). The main objectives of the conference were to discuss the post-war reorganization of Europe and to plan the final defeat of Nazi Germany.

Key points of the Yalta Accords included:

1. Division of Germany: The Allies agreed to divide Germany into occupation zones controlled by the U.S., U.K., France, and the Soviet Union after the war.

2. Eastern Europe: The accords emphasized the need for free elections in Eastern European countries liberated from Nazi control, although Stalin's interpretation of this was more lenient, leading to Soviet influence in the region.

3. United Nations: The leaders agreed on the establishment of the United Nations to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.

4. Soviet Entry into the War Against Japan: Stalin promised to enter the war against Japan three months after Germany's surrender, in exchange for territorial concessions in the Far East.

The Yalta Accords were significant in shaping post-war Europe, but their implementation led to tensions and disagreements, particularly regarding the political situation in Eastern Europe, contributing to the onset of the Cold War.

Trumans Diary Entries on Postdam and the atomic bomb

Truman’s diary entries provide valuable insights into his thoughts and decisions regarding the use of the atomic bomb during World War II. After the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Truman became president in April 1945 and was briefed on the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb.

In his diary, Truman expressed a mix of emotions and responsibilities related to the decision to use the bomb against Japan. He believed it would hasten the end of the war and save lives by avoiding a prolonged conflict. He noted the immense power of the bomb and the ethical implications of its use, reflecting on the potential destruction it could cause.

Truman's entries also highlighted his discussions with military leaders and advisors, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as Japan showed no signs of surrender. Ultimately, he authorized the bombings of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, which led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.

These diary entries illustrate the heavy burden of leadership during a critical moment in history, showcasing Truman's internal conflict and the complex considerations that influenced his decision-making process.