2CWHWorld War II and the Early Cold War

I. Choose two of the following pairs. For each pair separately, in a paragraph response, summarize the terms, analyzing the relationship of one to the other. Address historical context and the significance of the terms. (10 points each)

A. Yalta/GermanyB. Allied Invasion/StalinC. Atomic bomb/Total WarD. Iron Curtain/ContainmentE. NSC-68/Truman DoctrineF. Marshall Plan/NATO

II. Analyze one of the following quotes and explain the historical significance and context of it in a longer paragraph. Make sure to address the origin and purpose of the document as they relate to the value and limitation for a historian studying this period. (15 points)

A. Official statement issued after the Potsdam Conference (2 August 1945)

In order to eliminate Germany's war potential the production of arms, ammunition and implements of war as well as all types of aircraft and sea-going ships shall be prohibited and prevented. Production of metals, chemicals, machinery and other items that are directly necessary to a war economy shall be rigidly controlled and restricted to Germany's approved post-war peacetime needs to meet the objectives stated in Paragraph 15. Productive capacity not needed for permitted production shall be removed in accordance with the reparations plan recommended by the Allied Commission on Reparations and approved by the Governments concerned or if not removed shall be destroyed.

At the earliest practicable date the German economy shall be decentralized for the purpose of eliminating the present excessive concentration of economic power as exemplified in particular by cartels, syndicates, trusts and other monopolistic arrangements. In organizing the German economy primary emphasis shall be given to the development of agriculture and peaceful domestic industries.

B. George Marshall, Secretary of State, speech at Harvard University (5 June 1947)

It is logical that the United States should do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world, without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace. Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation, and chaos. Its purpose should be the revival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist.

C. Japanese Note to the United States, December 7, 1941. (Generally referred to as the “Fourteen-Part Message.”)

Ever since China Affair broke out owing to the failure on the part of China to comprehend Japan’s true intentions, the Japanese Government has striven for the restoration of peace and it has consistently exerted its best efforts to prevent the extension of war-like disturbances. It was also to that end that in September last year Japan concluded the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy.

However, both the United States and Great Britain have resorted to every possible measure to assist the [Chinese] regime so as to obstruct the establishment of a general peace between Japan and China, interfering with Japan’s constructive endeavors toward the stabilization of East Asia… While manifesting thus an obviously hostile attitude, these countries have strengthened their military preparations perfecting an encirclement of Japan, and have brought about a situation which endangers the very existence of the Empire.

III. Choose one of the following visual documents to evaluate and analyze. Situate the piece in its historical context, and evaluate it based on the possible origin and purpose. Comment on the technique and

political message portrayed. (15 points)

Document #1:

Document #2: