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Chapter 16 A People’s War?

Introduction to the Concept of "People's War"

• 1939 skit by the Communist Party in the U.S. claimed the war was not imperialist.

• By 1941, the war was redefined as a "people's war" against Fascism by various groups in the U.S.

• A strong consensus emerged across American society—politicians from all sides and social classes rallied for support.

Public Support for the War

• Statistics on Participation:

  • 18 million served in armed forces, 10 million abroad.

  • 25 million contributed financially to war bonds.

• Questions regarding the nature of this support:

  • Was it authentic or orchestrated by powerful institutions like the government and press?

  • Were there hidden dissent and resistance?

Nature of the Enemy

• The Axis Powers, particularly Nazi Germany, were characterized as totalitarian with aggressive militarism and racial ideology.

• However, were the Allied Powers truly different and fighting for liberation or simply to perpetuate their own power?

American History of Interventionism

Pre-WWII Actions

• Overview of U.S. history with interventions:

  • Opposed Haitian independence, instigated Mexican War, military presence in Cuba.

  • History of military interventions in Latin America; U.S. actions often contradicted stated values of freedom and non-intervention.

• The U.S. has a complicated history that conflicts with its wartime portrayal as a liberator.

Record of Intervention in Russia

• U.S. interventions post-Bolshevik revolution reveal an interest in countering Communism rather than altruistic principles.

• Significant U.S. military actions:

  • Allied intervention in Vladivostok post-WWI.

• Doubts arise about the U.S. commitment to non-intervention when entering WWII.

Domestic Realities During WWII

Civil Rights Issues

• Despite fighting against Fascism, the U.S. maintained racial discrimination at home.

• Both anti-Semitism and neglect of domestic racial issues persisted during the 1930s.

• Limited action by Roosevelt against Hitler's anti-Jewish policies; industrialized racism continued in U.S. military enlistments.

Policies Towards Minorities

• Discrimination against African Americans notable in military service and employment.

• Women were utilized in the workforce but still faced restrictive roles and inadequate support.

Japanese-American Internment

• Executive Order 9066 led to the forced relocation of 110,000 Japanese-Americans.

• Public Reaction:

  • Hysteria and political pressure led to internment, upholding racism rather than fighting it.

• Post-war reflections reveal widespread discontent regarding the treatment of Japanese-Americans.

War Aims and Economic Interests

America's War Objectives

• U.S. actions during WWII often aligned with national interests rather than humanitarian goals.

• Wartime diplomacy foreshadowed America's continued imperial aspirations post-conflict, focusing on securing economic markets.

Post-War Economic Plans

• Establishment of institutions like the IMF and World Bank to secure U.S. economic dominance globally post-war.

• Critique of the motives behind aid and reconstruction efforts, viewed through a lens of self-interest.

Conclusion on "People's War"

Questions of Morality and Impact

• The morality of wartime acts questioned:

  • Bombings of civilian populations in Germany and Japan seen as contradicting the ideals of a "people's war."

• Historical Reflection:

  • Post-war acknowledgment of the potential for Japan's surrender before the atomic bombings voiced by military analysts and historical assessments.

• Overall, the legacy of WWII invites interrogation about the alignment of American rhetoric with its actions both domestically and internationally.