wwII notes

Introduction to Major Historical Changes (1939 - 1955)

• The discussion reflects on significant transformations in American and world history between 1939 and 1955.

  • Key themes include changes in attitudes, values, geopolitical order, and governance perspectives.

Foreign Policy Changes

• American foreign policy underwent significant shifts during this period.

  • The onset of World War II in September 1939 marked a turning point.

  • The war was perceived differently in Asia, with some arguing it started in 1937 after Japan began its invasion of Mainland China.

Preceding Events Before WWII

• Japan's Imperial Actions:

  • Japan had invaded Manchuria and controlled Korea for decades before invading Mainland China in 1937.

  • American policymakers disapproved of Japan's invasion of China and were closely monitoring the events.

• The Rise of Totalitarian Regimes:

  • Americans observed a trend of nations falling under communism or fascism in Europe during the late 1930s.

• The Secret Pact Between Hitler and Stalin:

  • Unknown to many, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union formed a non-aggression pact prior to the war.

  • Despite their ideological enmity (communist vs. fascist), both regimes sought territorial expansion, particularly Poland and other eastern territories.

  • Hitler aimed to acquire land for a renewed German empire, referencing his plans in "Mein Kampf."

The Invasion of Poland (September 1939)

• Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, quickly followed by the Soviet invasion from the east.

  • Poland was overrun within weeks, resulting in significant loss of life.

  • This event prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany shortly after,

  • Diverging from their past post-World War I experiences, they responded to prevent a re-occupation of Eastern Europe by Germany.

Early German Military Successes

• Key military achievements in Western Europe included:

  • Denmark was conquered in six hours.

  • Norway faced a prolonged conflict but was also quickly subdued.

  • Belgium and the Netherlands fell in a short period, followed by swift defeats for Luxembourg and France.

• Hitler's aspirations included an alliance with Britain, recognizing their historical ties; however, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill refused any alliances, leading to escalating conflicts.

  • Britain made an offensive against German cities, prompting retaliatory bombings.

Shift from Isolationism to Intervention

• U.S. Neutrality Laws:

  • The U.S. maintained a stance of neutrality leading up to WWII—Congress passed neutrality acts to limit presidential power in possibly engaging the U.S. in foreign wars.

• President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Administration:

  • Despite neutrality, President Franklin D. Roosevelt used executive actions to aid Britain, such as selling destroyers and providing other material support, circumventing congressional approval.

U.S. Military Actions in Europe and Asia

• American involvement began to escalate as Italy invaded North Africa, making engagements necessary.

• The U.S. was involved in numerous covert activities, such as intelligence sharing with British forces and naval patrols in the Atlantic.

Atlantic Charter (August 1941)

• FDR and Winston Churchill agreed on common war aims, even when the U.S. was officially neutral.

  • Objectives included:

  • No quest for territorial aggrandizement, self-determination for all nations, restoration of sovereign rights, free access to trade, and disarmament after the war.

  • The charter laid a foundation for post-war peace and the principles that would guide international relations after WWII.

American Public Sentiment

• Early American public opinion leaned heavily towards isolationism, influenced by perceptions of the last conflict’s motives and betrayals.

• News reports and political sentiments often rallied against potential involvement, viewing it as a means for economic gain rather than moral obligation.

Pearl Harbor and U.S. Entry into the War

• The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, dramatically shifted American public opinion, leading to widespread enlistment for military service driven by a collective desire for revenge against Japan rather than resistance against fascism.

  • Hitler's misjudgment of American resolve ultimately resulted in Germany declaring war on the U.S. following Pearl Harbor.

Shift to Total War Strategy

• Subsequent U.S. military strategies in Europe included the bombadment of German cities, adopting strategies reminiscent of total war.

  • The use of carpet bombing became standard, which radically altered perceptions of warfare, moving away from protecting civilian life to maximizing destruction of enemy resources.

  • The death toll from air raids reached astronomical levels, revealing a stark contrast from initial U.S. isolationist sentiments back at the beginning of the war.

Conclusion: World Transformation Post-WWII

• The end of WWII dramatically reshaped international dynamics, as the United States emerged as a principal global actor and military power.

  • U.S. foreign policy shifted to a focus on containment of communism, marking the beginning of the Cold War.

  • New doctrines regarding foreign intervention would guide U.S. engagements in subsequent conflicts, reflecting the legacies of WWII and the geopolitical realities of the post-war era.

• The new world order introduced entangling alliances, military bases overseas, an intelligence community (including the CIA), and the establishment of global military partnerships (such as NATO).

  • Shifting emphases on containment rather than humanitarian ideals became a prevalent theme in U.S. foreign policy, defining interventions in various countries through the second half of the 20th century and beyond.