A Troublesome Path Leads Back to War

A Troublesome Path Leads A Troublesome Path Leads Back to WarBack to War

Descent to WarDescent to War

State of the world prior to the warState of the world prior to the war

Most of Asia & Africa was colonizedMost of Asia & Africa was colonized

Totalitarian governments controlled Totalitarian governments controlled numerous nations, including Germany, numerous nations, including Germany, Italy, Japan, and the USSRItaly, Japan, and the USSR

Most Western countries were suffering Most Western countries were suffering from Depression from Depression

Fascist ItalyFascist ItalyPost WWI – poor Italian Post WWI – poor Italian economy = unresteconomy = unrestBenito Mussolini & Fascist Benito Mussolini & Fascist party control Italy by 1922party control Italy by 1922– Fascism = dictatorship, Fascism = dictatorship,

aggressive nationalismaggressive nationalism– Blackshirts – Mussolini’s Blackshirts – Mussolini’s

enforcers enforcers – Fascists promised order & Fascists promised order &

stabilitystability

The March on Rome - 4/1922The March on Rome - 4/1922– Mussolini becomes leader (Mussolini becomes leader (Il Il

DuceDuce))– Envisions new Roman EmpireEnvisions new Roman Empire

GermanyGermanyPost WWI Germany in chaosPost WWI Germany in chaos

Many Germans blamed govt. (Weimar Rep.)Many Germans blamed govt. (Weimar Rep.)– Political chaos, massive inflation, povertyPolitical chaos, massive inflation, poverty

German economy failing but US tried to helpGerman economy failing but US tried to help– Great Depression stopped US effortsGreat Depression stopped US efforts

Nazi Party increasingly popularNazi Party increasingly popular

Bad econ & political conditions favored NazisBad econ & political conditions favored Nazis– Nazis provided targets for blame (Jews, Comms)Nazis provided targets for blame (Jews, Comms)

HitlerHitlerBorn in Austria – son of a civil servantBorn in Austria – son of a civil servantIdentified with German NationalismIdentified with German NationalismVery close to mother who dies of cancerVery close to mother who dies of cancerHoped to be an artist but failedHoped to be an artist but failedFought for Germany in WWIFought for Germany in WWISpied on but later joined the Nazis after warSpied on but later joined the Nazis after warBecame main recruiter for NazisBecame main recruiter for Nazis1923 – staged ill-conceived Beer Hall Putsch to 1923 – staged ill-conceived Beer Hall Putsch to try to seize powertry to seize powerImprisoned for 5 years – turns to political efforts Imprisoned for 5 years – turns to political efforts to bring Nazis to powerto bring Nazis to power

Economy Bad Economy Bad Nazis Good Nazis Good

Jan. 1933 – Hindenburg Jan. 1933 – Hindenburg made Hitler Chancellormade Hitler Chancellor– An effort to try to control An effort to try to control

himhim

Reichstag fire – Feb. Reichstag fire – Feb. 1933 – 1933 – Enabling Act – March Enabling Act – March 1933 – Hitler granted 1933 – Hitler granted emergency powers to emergency powers to deal with “crisis”deal with “crisis”Hindenburg dies – Hitler Hindenburg dies – Hitler total leader in 1934total leader in 1934

Japan & HirohitoJapan & HirohitoMilitary leaders ruled in name of Military leaders ruled in name of Emp. HirohitoEmp. Hirohito– envisioned vast Pacific empire to envisioned vast Pacific empire to

provide raw materials, etc.provide raw materials, etc.

Japan invades Manchuria Japan invades Manchuria (1931)(1931)– Seeking Oil, coal, ironSeeking Oil, coal, iron– League of Nations protested but League of Nations protested but

did nothingdid nothing1937 – Japan invaded China1937 – Japan invaded China– China torn by civil war, poorly matched China torn by civil war, poorly matched

w/ Japanw/ Japan– Japanese atrocities (Rape of Nanking)Japanese atrocities (Rape of Nanking)

U.S./Japanese friction over ChinaU.S./Japanese friction over China

1937 – Japanese planes bomb U.S. gunboat in 1937 – Japanese planes bomb U.S. gunboat in

China - China - The The “Panay Incident”“Panay Incident”

Japan apologizes but U.S. demands that Japan apologizes but U.S. demands that

Japan leave ChinaJapan leave China

U.S. begins building Pacific fleetU.S. begins building Pacific fleet

– Later will use economic warfare against JPNLater will use economic warfare against JPN

The Path to War - EuropeThe Path to War - EuropeSpanish Civil War 1936-1939Spanish Civil War 1936-1939– Nationalist rebels led by Francisco FrancoNationalist rebels led by Francisco Franco

Get help from Germany & ItalyGet help from Germany & Italy

– Spanish govt. aided by USSR & U.S. volunteersSpanish govt. aided by USSR & U.S. volunteers– Guernica – city destroyed by German bombingGuernica – city destroyed by German bombing– SCW a testing ground for troops before WWIISCW a testing ground for troops before WWII

Picasso’s “Guernica”Picasso’s “Guernica”

No Desire for WarNo Desire for WarLeague of Nations weak because GB & FR League of Nations weak because GB & FR were unwilling to fightwere unwilling to fight

Hitler observes Italy and Japan get away with Hitler observes Italy and Japan get away with aggression without LofN responseaggression without LofN response

– 1935 – expands army1935 – expands army

– 3/1936 – invades Rhineland3/1936 – invades Rhineland

– 8/1936 – Forms Axis with Italy8/1936 – Forms Axis with Italy

– 3/1938 – Anschluss with Austria3/1938 – Anschluss with Austria

– Nothing more than condemnation from LofNNothing more than condemnation from LofN

Munich Pact (1938)Munich Pact (1938)Sept. 1938, Hitler demands annexation of Sept. 1938, Hitler demands annexation of Sudetenland - ethnically German region of Sudetenland - ethnically German region of CzechoslovakiaCzechoslovakiaCzech allies (USSR & FR) unwilling to fight Czech allies (USSR & FR) unwilling to fight Munich Conference held to settle issueMunich Conference held to settle issue– Hitler, Mussolini, Chamberlain, DaladierHitler, Mussolini, Chamberlain, Daladier

Munich Pact gives Sudetenland to Hitler Munich Pact gives Sudetenland to Hitler – promises to make "no further territorial demands" promises to make "no further territorial demands"

Policy of giving in to dictators = AppeasementPolicy of giving in to dictators = AppeasementChamberlain returns to GB claiming "Peace in Chamberlain returns to GB claiming "Peace in our time"our time"

Hungry LionsHungry LionsApril 1939, Hitler takes all of CzechoslovakiaApril 1939, Hitler takes all of Czechoslovakia– Chamberlain looks like a foolChamberlain looks like a fool– GB & FR abandon Czech but promise to defend PolandGB & FR abandon Czech but promise to defend Poland

1939 – Italy takes Albania – no action by L of N1939 – Italy takes Albania – no action by L of N

Aug. 1939 – Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression PactAug. 1939 – Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact– Big surprise - both hated each otherBig surprise - both hated each other– Secretly plan to divide Poland & Baltic StatesSecretly plan to divide Poland & Baltic States– Deal provides Stalin time to build armyDeal provides Stalin time to build army– Allows Hitler to avoid 2 front war & gain LebensraumAllows Hitler to avoid 2 front war & gain Lebensraum

Appeasement & N-S Pact seal Poland’s fateAppeasement & N-S Pact seal Poland’s fate– Invaded by Germany Sept. 1 1939Invaded by Germany Sept. 1 1939

The World At WarThe World At War

Hitler Strikes at Hitler Strikes at EuropeEurope

The Failed Policy of The Failed Policy of AppeasementAppeasement

““Honorable” Hitler Honorable” Hitler violates Munich Pact - violates Munich Pact - takes Czechoslovakia takes Czechoslovakia 3/393/39

Nazi-Soviet Pact 8/39Nazi-Soviet Pact 8/39 Nazis invade Poland Nazis invade Poland

9/1/399/1/39– GB & FR GB & FR

declare war declare war 9/3/399/3/39

– Soviets invade Soviets invade Poland 9/17/39Poland 9/17/39

Victorious Victorious German Troops German Troops

Parade in Parade in WarsawWarsaw

FDR invokes Neutrality FDR invokes Neutrality ActsActs

No U.S. arms to countries at warNo U.S. arms to countries at war– No U.S. ships allowed in war zonesNo U.S. ships allowed in war zones

Belligerents could buy non-military Belligerents could buy non-military supplies on cash-and-carry basissupplies on cash-and-carry basis

11/39 - Neutrality Act 1939 allowed 11/39 - Neutrality Act 1939 allowed arms sales to GB & FR on c&c basisarms sales to GB & FR on c&c basis– helping Allies but staying out of fighthelping Allies but staying out of fight

War in the WestWar in the West 6 month lull in fighting - 6 month lull in fighting -

“Sitzkrieg” or “Phony War”“Sitzkrieg” or “Phony War” Broken by sudden attack on Broken by sudden attack on

Norway and Denmark - 4/40Norway and Denmark - 4/40 Holland, Belgium & France - Holland, Belgium & France -

5/405/40– Dunkirk evacuation Dunkirk evacuation

5/26/405/26/40– Holland surrenders 5/15, Belgium Holland surrenders 5/15, Belgium

5/28, Norway 6/15/28, Norway 6/1

– Italy declares war Italy declares war on GB & FR 6/10/40on GB & FR 6/10/40

French armistice signed French armistice signed 6/22/406/22/40

The Battle of Britain 1940The Battle of Britain 1940 Operation Sea LionOperation Sea Lion

– Planned German invasion of GBPlanned German invasion of GB Luftwaffe first concentrated on Luftwaffe first concentrated on

aerodromes & shipping but turned aerodromes & shipping but turned to bombing citiesto bombing cities– To demoralize populace To demoralize populace

RDF and “Ultra” help protect GBRDF and “Ultra” help protect GB Some US volunteers participateSome US volunteers participate

British Spitfires

Downed Downed German German

Fighter & Fighter & British Civil British Civil PatrolmanPatrolman

Tower Bridge

St. Paul’s

Campaign 1940Campaign 1940 Most favored supporting BritainMost favored supporting Britain Some isolationistSome isolationist Potential U.S. entry into war an Potential U.S. entry into war an

issue in the 1940 electionissue in the 1940 election– FDR going for 3FDR going for 3rdrd term vs. Wendell term vs. Wendell

Willkie (R)Willkie (R)– Candidates close on issue of warCandidates close on issue of war

FDR approves 1st peacetime draftFDR approves 1st peacetime draft 9/40 - “Destroyers for Bases” w/ GB9/40 - “Destroyers for Bases” w/ GB

– U.S. ships in exchange for U.S. use of U.S. ships in exchange for U.S. use of British air & naval basesBritish air & naval bases

Campaign 1940Campaign 1940

Anti-war critics say FDR will entangle U.S. in Anti-war critics say FDR will entangle U.S. in warwar

– America First CommitteeAmerica First Committee spokesman Charles Lindberghspokesman Charles Lindbergh U.S. could stand alone against HitlerU.S. could stand alone against Hitler

FDR promises: FDR promises: – ““I will never send an American boy to fight in a I will never send an American boy to fight in a

European war.” European war.” FDR wins unprecedented 3FDR wins unprecedented 3rdrd term term

– Now free to actively help BritainNow free to actively help Britain

““An arsenal for An arsenal for democracy”democracy”

Lend-Lease PlanLend-Lease Plan– Supplies for any nation deemed “vital to Supplies for any nation deemed “vital to

defense of the U.S.”defense of the U.S.” Isolationists condemn it as economic Isolationists condemn it as economic

war against Germanywar against Germany Approved in March 1941Approved in March 1941

– Aid to GB began immediately Aid to GB began immediately – Extended to USSR after German Extended to USSR after German

invasioninvasion

Fighting the Undeclared War Fighting the Undeclared War 19411941

U.S. Navy assists in tracking U-boats, U.S. Navy assists in tracking U-boats, escorting convoys escorting convoys – Navy ordered to fire on German vessels Navy ordered to fire on German vessels

if necessaryif necessary Aug. 1941 - FDR & Churchill meet for Aug. 1941 - FDR & Churchill meet for

“Atlantic Conference”“Atlantic Conference” Atlantic Charter – proposes post-war Atlantic Charter – proposes post-war

guidelines (self-determination, a UN, guidelines (self-determination, a UN, etc.)etc.)

Provocations!Provocations! Several U.S. Navy vessels torpedoed Several U.S. Navy vessels torpedoed

by German u-boatsby German u-boats FDR orders Axis vessels shot on sightFDR orders Axis vessels shot on sight Oct. 41 - sinking of the Reuben James Oct. 41 - sinking of the Reuben James

- 115 U.S. sailors killed- 115 U.S. sailors killed Nov. 41 - FDR orders merchant ships Nov. 41 - FDR orders merchant ships

to be armedto be armed– Neutrality Acts all but null and voidNeutrality Acts all but null and void

The U.S. Enters the War

The U.S. Enters the War

Pearl Harbor and the Home Front War

Effort

Pearl Harbor and the Home Front War

Effort

Competing Interests in the PacificCompeting Interests in the Pacific• Prior to U.S. entry - Germany seen

as main threat– Policy was to deter Japan while

building 2-ocean navy

• Neither U.S. nor Japan wanted war – but Japan could not afford US

interference with plans•Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

– U.S. wanted Open Door & status quo

Heading For A Fight• “Yellow Peril” propaganda & Japanese

aggression in Asia hardened U.S. attitude

• 1939 - U.S. bans sale of petroleum and scrap metal to Japan

• Additional items banned after signing of Tripartite Pact (9/40) & more aggression

• 7/41 - Japanese assets in U.S. frozen–Total embargo on trade–Followed takeover of Indochina

• “Yellow Peril” propaganda & Japanese aggression in Asia hardened U.S. attitude

• 1939 - U.S. bans sale of petroleum and scrap metal to Japan

• Additional items banned after signing of Tripartite Pact (9/40) & more aggression

• 7/41 - Japanese assets in U.S. frozen–Total embargo on trade–Followed takeover of Indochina

Communication Breakdown

• New Japanese war minister Hideki Tojo–Opposed compromise w/ U.S.–Needed supplies for war machine

• By Nov. 41 - U.S. intelligence knew war was imminent

• All U.S. commands on alert

“A Date Which Will Live In Infamy”• 12/7/41 surprise strike at Pearl Harbor• Bold Japanese gamble paid off

–Preemptive strike at U.S. Navy• 188 aircraft destroyed, 8 Battleships +

other ships sunk or crippled, 2400 dead• Many vital U.S. ships out to sea• 29 of 353 Japanese planes shot down• Enables Japanese to expand unhindered

Aerial view of the harbor

Most of the damage was done within an hour.

Top left - USS West Virginia

Bottom Left - USS Arizona

Top Right. - USS Shaw

The Response

• War declared on 12/8• Germany & Italy declare war

on U.S. on 12/11• German U-Boats began

attacking U.S. shipping immediately–within sight of our shores

U-Boats of the German Kriegsmarine stalked U.S. ships along our Atlantic coastline. As many as 5 ships per day were lost in the early months of the war - nearly negating production of new ships.

“It is all bad.”• Nazis rolling across

Europe, N. Africa• Japanese capturing the

Pacific islands and vast sections of continental Asia

• U.S. forces vanquished in Philippines– MacArthur - “I shall

return!”– 11K U.S. prisoners of

war

•Bataan Death March

• Japan at peak of its territorial control

Captured American troops - Corregidor, Philippines

Mobilizing the War Effort• War Powers Act 1941 gives FDR

authority to direct war effort– Control of trade, defense contracts,

censorship– 1942 - additional powers

•Requisition property, rationing, regulation of transportation

• Draft & enlistment raise millions of troops - 15 million men by end of war

• 350K women volunteers

Propaganda• Office of War

Information– controlled info

of war– used press,

movies, radio to build public morale

Contrasting views of women in wartime.

The Common American at War

Who were the heroes?

African Americans

Above Left – African-American Above Left – African-American Troops in trainingTroops in training

Above Right – Members of the Above Right – Members of the Montford Point (N.C.)MarinesMontford Point (N.C.)Marines

Below – Dorie Miller: Messman Below – Dorie Miller: Messman and Pearl Harbor Hero from and Pearl Harbor Hero from U.S.S. West VirginiaU.S.S. West Virginia

African Americans on Home FrontAfrican Americans on Home Front• Fair Employment Practices

Commission–1941 act to investigate labor discrim.

• Black migration to industrial north increased dramatically

• Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) formed in 1942–used sit-ins & demonstrations

• Beginnings of integration in military, though slow progress

African Americans at War• Nearly 1 million served in military

–Usually segregated–Many fought with distinction

• Some race riots on bases (& at home)• Nazi racism made more Americans

sensitive to our own conduct at home• Black vets came home w/ high

expectations

Port Chicago

African-Americans who served at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine near Concord, African-Americans who served at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine near Concord, CA worked at a furious pace to keep munitions ships stocked and at sea. CA worked at a furious pace to keep munitions ships stocked and at sea.

The dangerously fast pace at which they were ordered to work resulted in a terrible The dangerously fast pace at which they were ordered to work resulted in a terrible accident on July 17, 1944. 320 men were killed and 400 were wounded. 202 of the accident on July 17, 1944. 320 men were killed and 400 were wounded. 202 of the dead were African-Americans.dead were African-Americans.

The accident at Port Chicago accounted for 15% of African-American casualties in The accident at Port Chicago accounted for 15% of African-American casualties in WWII. Understandably, black laborers were reluctant to return to the docks. 258 WWII. Understandably, black laborers were reluctant to return to the docks. 258 initially refused to go back, but most returned. 50 men were tried and convicted for initially refused to go back, but most returned. 50 men were tried and convicted for mutiny for their refusal to serve in the dangerous conditions of the loading docks. mutiny for their refusal to serve in the dangerous conditions of the loading docks.

Hispanics

Zoot Suit Riots 6/4-7/1943

Young LatinosYoung Latinos in Los Angeles and other cities wore the in Los Angeles and other cities wore the distinctive Zoot Suit to demonstrate their sense of style. distinctive Zoot Suit to demonstrate their sense of style. Racial tension between whites and Latinos exploded into the Racial tension between whites and Latinos exploded into the Zoot Suit Riots in L.A. Gangs of sailors ranged through the Zoot Suit Riots in L.A. Gangs of sailors ranged through the barrios of L.A. seeking out “Zoot-suiters” and attacking them. barrios of L.A. seeking out “Zoot-suiters” and attacking them. All of this occurred with the apparent blessing of the press All of this occurred with the apparent blessing of the press and the city police.and the city police.

Women: Rosie

Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs)

Native Americans

Japanese Americans17,000 Japanese Americans served in

segregated combat units & intelligence442nd Regiment highest decorated unit in U.S. military history

Ironic – considering 120,000 Japanese Americans put in internment campsFDR’s Executive Order 9066 – JA’s posed threat to natl. security

should be moved away from military areas

Asians: Valor in Combat

Japanese American troops serving in the Japanese American troops serving in the European Theater of War were among European Theater of War were among the most courageous soldiers in the war. the most courageous soldiers in the war. The 442The 442ndnd Regimental Combat Team Regimental Combat Team received more medals than any other unit received more medals than any other unit in U.S. military history.in U.S. military history.

A threat to security?

Japanese Internment

Japanese Internment

People of FaithNavy Chaplain Joseph T. Navy Chaplain Joseph T. O’Callahan of the U.S.S. O’Callahan of the U.S.S. Franklin manned guns, tended Franklin manned guns, tended to the injured, and fought fires to the injured, and fought fires to save the vessel which was to save the vessel which was struck by 2 Kamikazi aircraft. struck by 2 Kamikazi aircraft.

Young Americans from Everywhere, USA

Above: the crew of the Memphis BelleAbove: the crew of the Memphis Belle

Right: the Sullivan Brothers, all killed Right: the Sullivan Brothers, all killed aboard the U.S.S. Juneau in the South aboard the U.S.S. Juneau in the South PacificPacific

The Production Miracle

• Civilian production converted to war production

• 33% of economy devoted to war• U.S. made more weapons than

all Axis powers combined• Production times reduced from

months to weeks (even days!)

Costs of the War• U.S. spent $320 billion

–10x amount of all previous wars• Ended the Great Depression

–Govt. spending made 17 million jobs

• 293K killed in battle + 116K from other causes–670K wounded in battle