US Entry Into US Entry Into W W IIW W II

Causes of W W IICauses of W W II

Rise of Totalitarian Dictators: Hitler, Mussolini, Rise of Totalitarian Dictators: Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito, FrancoHirohito, Franco

Nazi rearmament and aggression / expansionism: Nazi rearmament and aggression / expansionism: Rhineland, Austria, Sudetenland (Mussolini – Rhineland, Austria, Sudetenland (Mussolini – Ethiopia: Japan – Manchuria, China)Ethiopia: Japan – Manchuria, China)

Weakness of League of Nations, and Allied Weakness of League of Nations, and Allied Appeasement (typified by Munich Conference / Appeasement (typified by Munich Conference / Agreement)Agreement)

Failure of Munich Agreement: German invasion of Failure of Munich Agreement: German invasion of CzechoslovakiaCzechoslovakia

Nazi-Soviet Pact of Aug. 1939; 10 Year Non-Nazi-Soviet Pact of Aug. 1939; 10 Year Non-Aggression Pact; ensured Germany would not have to Aggression Pact; ensured Germany would not have to fight on two frontsfight on two fronts

German invasion of Poland, Sept. 1, 1939German invasion of Poland, Sept. 1, 1939

France and Britain declare war on Germany, Sept. 3France and Britain declare war on Germany, Sept. 3rdrd 19391939

7 month Phony War; followed by invasion of Denmark, 7 month Phony War; followed by invasion of Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands, LuxembourgNorway, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg

Fall of France, June 22Fall of France, June 22ndnd 1940 1940

Invasion of Britain Aug. 1940 : Invasion of Britain Aug. 1940 : Operation Sea LionOperation Sea Lion, , Battle of Britain, Luftwaffe v RAF; Battle of Britain, Luftwaffe v RAF;

June 22June 22ndnd 1941: 1941: Operation BarbarossaOperation Barbarossa; invasion of ; invasion of Soviet Union, preceded by invasion of Bulgaria, Soviet Union, preceded by invasion of Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Yugoslavia and GreeceRomania, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Greece

US Response to events in EuropeUS Response to events in Europe In response to the rise of Totalitarianism and tension in In response to the rise of Totalitarianism and tension in

Europe, the US passed the Europe, the US passed the Neutrality Acts of 1935, Neutrality Acts of 1935, 1936, 19371936, 1937

These Acts enforced a mandatory arms embargo (non-These Acts enforced a mandatory arms embargo (non-military goods would be sold on a military goods would be sold on a Cash and CarryCash and Carry basis) basis) against both victim and aggressor in any military conflict against both victim and aggressor in any military conflict

and made it illegal for US citizens to travel on ships of and made it illegal for US citizens to travel on ships of warring nations - Goal was to prevent the US becoming warring nations - Goal was to prevent the US becoming involved in any conflict in Europe / to prevent an involved in any conflict in Europe / to prevent an occurrence of the events which many believed had occurrence of the events which many believed had pressured the US into WW1 (no Lusitania type incident)pressured the US into WW1 (no Lusitania type incident)

In response to the actual outbreak of war, the In response to the actual outbreak of war, the Neutrality Act of 1939Neutrality Act of 1939 introduced a revision, allowing introduced a revision, allowing the sale of arms and ammunition on a cash and carry the sale of arms and ammunition on a cash and carry basis to belligerents (obviously, only to Allies – basis to belligerents (obviously, only to Allies – benevolent neutrality)benevolent neutrality)

At the very least (if the US wasn’t going to fight), FDR At the very least (if the US wasn’t going to fight), FDR believed, the US should make armaments available to believed, the US should make armaments available to the Allied armies to help them counteract the the Allied armies to help them counteract the remarkably productive German munitions industryremarkably productive German munitions industry

Under the Act, US ships were forbidden from entering Under the Act, US ships were forbidden from entering the War Zonethe War Zone

The US was slowly moving away from Isolationism, The US was slowly moving away from Isolationism, though still neutral. Like W W I, the US was first though still neutral. Like W W I, the US was first involved in an Economic War with the Allies, against involved in an Economic War with the Allies, against the Axis powersthe Axis powers

In response to the Fall of France and the Invasion of In response to the Fall of France and the Invasion of Britain (Operation Sea Lion / Battle of Britain) FDR Britain (Operation Sea Lion / Battle of Britain) FDR also persuades Congress to also persuades Congress to make preparationsmake preparations in the in the event of a Nazi invasion of the US, by increasing the event of a Nazi invasion of the US, by increasing the military budget to $37b military budget to $37b

He also introduced the Selective Training and Services He also introduced the Selective Training and Services Act – the first peacetime Draft – to increase US troops Act – the first peacetime Draft – to increase US troops levels to 1.2m and 800,000 reserveslevels to 1.2m and 800,000 reserves

Direct support for the Allies increased when FDR set up Direct support for the Allies increased when FDR set up dummy / mock private companies through which he gave dummy / mock private companies through which he gave military equipment to the British (supposedly bought by military equipment to the British (supposedly bought by Britain)Britain)

And he also circumvented the cash-and-carry provisions of And he also circumvented the cash-and-carry provisions of the Neutrality Act by trading 50 American destroyers in the Neutrality Act by trading 50 American destroyers in return for the right to build 8 US bases on British territory return for the right to build 8 US bases on British territory (Newfoundland, Bermuda, and British Guiana)(Newfoundland, Bermuda, and British Guiana)

FDR reasoned that if the US helped the Allies to win, with FDR reasoned that if the US helped the Allies to win, with this kind of help, then the US wouldn’t have to fight later – this kind of help, then the US wouldn’t have to fight later – the Nazis would not become a threat to the USthe Nazis would not become a threat to the US

In the summer of 1940 a heated debate took place in the In the summer of 1940 a heated debate took place in the US between isolationists and interventionists US between isolationists and interventionists

IsolationistsIsolationists in thein the America First Committee (inc. America First Committee (inc. Lindbergh) Lindbergh) argued that the US should concentrate only on argued that the US should concentrate only on defending its own shores – not provide any help to the Allies.defending its own shores – not provide any help to the Allies.

The Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies,The Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies, an an internationalist / interventionist group supported increased US internationalist / interventionist group supported increased US assistance to the Allies but opposed actual declaring war assistance to the Allies but opposed actual declaring war (economic aid / materials to avoid the need for US to get (economic aid / materials to avoid the need for US to get involved militarily)involved militarily)

TheThe Fight for Freedom Committee / Fight for Freedom Committee / interventionists urged an interventionists urged an immediate declaration of war immediate declaration of war

FDR defeated Willkie in the 1940 Presidential Election: FDR defeated Willkie in the 1940 Presidential Election: afterwards began to increase US role / make a bigger afterwards began to increase US role / make a bigger commitment, as Nazis advanced and the situation in commitment, as Nazis advanced and the situation in Europe deterioratedEurope deteriorated

With Britain virtually bankrupt, and no longer able to With Britain virtually bankrupt, and no longer able to meet the cash and carry requirements, he introduced meet the cash and carry requirements, he introduced Lend LeaseLend Lease in Dec. 1940, started in March 1941 in Dec. 1940, started in March 1941

He wanted to eliminate the payments, yet satisfying He wanted to eliminate the payments, yet satisfying those who were against blatant US intervention in the those who were against blatant US intervention in the war – so used the term Lend and Lease. The US war – so used the term Lend and Lease. The US basically basically gavegave armaments to any nation deemed "vital armaments to any nation deemed "vital to the defenses of the US“ for free. to the defenses of the US“ for free.

The US became the “Arsenal of Democracy”The US became the “Arsenal of Democracy”

FDR soon faced another series of problems; ensuring FDR soon faced another series of problems; ensuring that US arms supplies actually reached Britain and that US arms supplies actually reached Britain and France – he responded by ordering that the US navy France – he responded by ordering that the US navy escort the lend lease ships as far as Iceland, and the escort the lend lease ships as far as Iceland, and the British would take over from there through the war British would take over from there through the war zone zone

When Germany invaded the USSR, Lend Lease was When Germany invaded the USSR, Lend Lease was extended to include the USSR, eventually giving the extended to include the USSR, eventually giving the Soviets $11b in military equipment / weapons Soviets $11b in military equipment / weapons

The US was propping up Hitler's foes on both fronts, The US was propping up Hitler's foes on both fronts, and the navy was playing an active role in protecting and the navy was playing an active role in protecting the flow of goods to Europe…..Economic War with the flow of goods to Europe…..Economic War with Germany had expanded Germany had expanded

The US was also involved in an Ideological War with The US was also involved in an Ideological War with Totalitarianism / Fascism from 1941Totalitarianism / Fascism from 1941

FDR’s idealism was seen in his Four Freedoms…of FDR’s idealism was seen in his Four Freedoms…of his Jan. 1941 speech to Congress (Read speech / his Jan. 1941 speech to Congress (Read speech / Handout)Handout)

FDR’s Four Freedom’sFDR’s Four Freedom’s The first is freedom of The first is freedom of speech and expression-speech and expression- everywhere in the everywhere in the

world.world.

The second is freedom of every person to The second is freedom of every person to worshipworship God in his own God in his own way- everywhere in the world.way- everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom The third is freedom from want-from want- which, translated into world terms, which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peace time life for its inhabitants- everywhere in the world. healthy peace time life for its inhabitants- everywhere in the world.

The fourth is freedom The fourth is freedom from fear-from fear- which translated into world terms, which translated into world terms, means a worldwide reduction of armaments [military forces and means a worldwide reduction of armaments [military forces and equipment] to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no equipment] to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor- anywhere in the world.against any neighbor- anywhere in the world.

The Atlantic CharterThe Atlantic Charter And in the Atlantic Charter, July-Aug, 1941, agreed with Churchill And in the Atlantic Charter, July-Aug, 1941, agreed with Churchill

on a battleship off Newfoundland – signed later by 15 more on a battleship off Newfoundland – signed later by 15 more countries, inc. the USSR (Read Excerpt / Handout….make notes on countries, inc. the USSR (Read Excerpt / Handout….make notes on 4 Freedoms)4 Freedoms)

First, their countries seek First, their countries seek no aggrandizement, territorial or otherno aggrandizement, territorial or other

Second, they desire to Second, they desire to see no territorial changessee no territorial changes that do not accord that do not accord with the freely expressed wishes of the peoples concerned…with the freely expressed wishes of the peoples concerned…

Third, they respect Third, they respect the right of all peoples to choose the form of the right of all peoples to choose the form of government under which they will livegovernment under which they will live; and they wish to see ; and they wish to see sovereign rights and self government restored to those who have sovereign rights and self government restored to those who have been forcibly deprived of thembeen forcibly deprived of them

The Atlantic CharterThe Atlantic Charter

Fourth, they will endeavor, with due respect for their Fourth, they will endeavor, with due respect for their existing obligations, to further the enjoyment by all existing obligations, to further the enjoyment by all States, great or small, victor or vanquished, of States, great or small, victor or vanquished, of access, access, on equal terms, to the trade and to the raw materials on equal terms, to the trade and to the raw materials of the worldof the world which are needed for their economic which are needed for their economic prosperityprosperity

Fifth, they desire to bring about the fullest collaboration Fifth, they desire to bring about the fullest collaboration between all nations in the economic field with the object between all nations in the economic field with the object of securing, for all, of securing, for all, improved labor standards, improved labor standards, economic advancement and social securityeconomic advancement and social security

The Atlantic CharterThe Atlantic Charter

Sixth, after the final destruction of Nazi tyranny, they Sixth, after the final destruction of Nazi tyranny, they hope to see established a hope to see established a peace which will afford to all peace which will afford to all nations the means of dwelling in safety within their nations the means of dwelling in safety within their own boundariesown boundaries, and which will afford assurance that , and which will afford assurance that all the men in all the lands may live out their lives in all the men in all the lands may live out their lives in freedom from fear and wantfreedom from fear and want

Seventh, such a peace should enable all men to Seventh, such a peace should enable all men to traverse traverse the high seas and oceans without hindrancethe high seas and oceans without hindrance

The Atlantic CharterThe Atlantic Charter Eighth, they believe that all of the nations of the Eighth, they believe that all of the nations of the

world, for realistic as well as spiritual reasons must world, for realistic as well as spiritual reasons must come to the come to the abandonment of the use of forceabandonment of the use of force. Since . Since no future peace can be maintained if land, sea, or air no future peace can be maintained if land, sea, or air armaments continue to be employed by nations which armaments continue to be employed by nations which threaten, or may threaten, aggression outside of their threaten, or may threaten, aggression outside of their frontiers, they believe, pending the establishment of a frontiers, they believe, pending the establishment of a wider and wider and permanent system of general securitypermanent system of general security, , that the that the disarmamentdisarmament of such nations is essential. of such nations is essential. They will likewise aid and encourage all other They will likewise aid and encourage all other practicable measures which will lighten for peace-practicable measures which will lighten for peace-loving peoples the crushing burden of armaments. loving peoples the crushing burden of armaments.

Roosevelt and Churchill at Atlantic Charter Meeting, 1941President Franklin D. Roosevelt (left) and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874–1965) confer on board a ship near Newfoundland during their summit meeting of August, 1941. During the conference, they signed the Atlantic Charter. Upon his return to Great Britain, Churchill told his advisers that Roosevelt had promised to "wage war" against Germany and do "everything" to "force an incident." (Franklin D. Roosevelt Library)

By late 1941….it seemed only a matter of time before By late 1941….it seemed only a matter of time before the US became an official belligerentthe US became an official belligerent

FDR felt it was inevitable and may have welcomed it FDR felt it was inevitable and may have welcomed it (like Wilson)……but, FDR was convinced that public (like Wilson)……but, FDR was convinced that public opinion would support a declaration of war only in the opinion would support a declaration of war only in the event of an actual enemy attack. event of an actual enemy attack.

In Sept. 1941, Nazi submarines began a concerted In Sept. 1941, Nazi submarines began a concerted campaign against US naval vessels protecting Lend campaign against US naval vessels protecting Lend Lease ships – US destroyers the Lease ships – US destroyers the Greer Greer andand Kearney Kearney were sunk killing 11 Americans were sunk killing 11 Americans

FDR responded by ordering US ships to fire on German FDR responded by ordering US ships to fire on German submarines "on sight". submarines "on sight".

In Oct., Nazi submarines torpedoed the In Oct., Nazi submarines torpedoed the Reuben JamesReuben James, , killing over 100 sailors. killing over 100 sailors.

The US had, in effect, become involved in an The US had, in effect, become involved in an undeclared naval warundeclared naval war against Germany (as in W W I) against Germany (as in W W I) (Economic, Ideological, and now Undeclared Naval). (Economic, Ideological, and now Undeclared Naval).

The public was now moving more and more away from The public was now moving more and more away from isolationism in response to the sinking of these US isolationism in response to the sinking of these US vessels. vessels.

Congress responded by dropping the Neutrality Act of Congress responded by dropping the Neutrality Act of 1939 and merchant ships were armed and were permitted 1939 and merchant ships were armed and were permitted to sail into the war zones with their cargoesto sail into the war zones with their cargoes

If US entry into the war had not happened because of If US entry into the war had not happened because of events in the Pacific, then it would have come as a result events in the Pacific, then it would have come as a result of future incidents in the Atlanticof future incidents in the Atlantic. . Entry into the WW II Entry into the WW II seemed inevitable because of events in the Atlantic – the seemed inevitable because of events in the Atlantic – the surprise was that events in the Pacific brought War surprise was that events in the Pacific brought War

US Gradually Moves Towards War: SummaryUS Gradually Moves Towards War: Summary

Neutrality Acts, 1935, 1936, 1937; no arms sales to Neutrality Acts, 1935, 1936, 1937; no arms sales to belligerents; no US passengers on belligerent ships; belligerents; no US passengers on belligerent ships; Cash and Carry of US non-military goods only; no Cash and Carry of US non-military goods only; no loansloans

Sale of arms permitted to Allies on Cash and Carry Sale of arms permitted to Allies on Cash and Carry basis, 1939 Neutrality Actbasis, 1939 Neutrality Act

Gradual military budget increase, reaching $37b, Gradual military budget increase, reaching $37b, 19391939

Arms to Britain through dummy companiesArms to Britain through dummy companies

50 destroyers to Britain for naval bases, 1940 50 destroyers to Britain for naval bases, 1940 Selective Services and Training Act, 1940; Selective Services and Training Act, 1940;

peacetime draftpeacetime draft Four Freedoms SpeechFour Freedoms Speech Lend-Lease Act, 1940; no charge for weaponsLend-Lease Act, 1940; no charge for weapons Lend-Lease extended to USSR, 1941 Lend-Lease extended to USSR, 1941 Atlantic CharterAtlantic Charter Robin Moor, Greer, Kearney, Reuben James, Robin Moor, Greer, Kearney, Reuben James,

attacked by German U Boats, 1941…merchant ships attacked by German U Boats, 1941…merchant ships now armed and protected by navy now armed and protected by navy

Undeclared Economic War, Ideological War to Undeclared Economic War, Ideological War to Undeclared Naval War....Before Actual Declaration Undeclared Naval War....Before Actual Declaration of Warof War

US Response to Events in the PacificUS Response to Events in the Pacific

Japanese militarism / expansion (raw materials, Japanese militarism / expansion (raw materials, Depression, unemployment, nationalism); invasion of Depression, unemployment, nationalism); invasion of Manchuria 1932Manchuria 1932

US is concerned about access to China / Open Door; US is concerned about access to China / Open Door; refuses to recognize the new Manchurian Govt. or any refuses to recognize the new Manchurian Govt. or any territorial gains seized by force – issues the Stimson territorial gains seized by force – issues the Stimson Doctrine to that effectDoctrine to that effect

US recognizes Communist regime in USSR, 1933US recognizes Communist regime in USSR, 1933

But the US did not cooperate with the League of But the US did not cooperate with the League of Nations in imposing sanctions against the Japanese Nations in imposing sanctions against the Japanese (Japan’s response to the sanctions was to withdraw (Japan’s response to the sanctions was to withdraw from the League)from the League)

In 1934 Japan also terminated the Washington Naval In 1934 Japan also terminated the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 and began to build more and bigger Treaty of 1922 and began to build more and bigger naval vesselsnaval vessels

1937 – Japan invaded China; captures Peking, Shanghai, 1937 – Japan invaded China; captures Peking, Shanghai, and then Nanjing; Rape of Nanking / Nanjing (300,000 and then Nanjing; Rape of Nanking / Nanjing (300,000 victims)victims)

FDR condemns the invasion: threatens a US Quarantine FDR condemns the invasion: threatens a US Quarantine or Embargo against Japan or Embargo against Japan

But there was angry reaction in the US to his speech from But there was angry reaction in the US to his speech from isolationists who feared that this would lead to war isolationists who feared that this would lead to war

Faced with strong opposition, FDR backed down – the Faced with strong opposition, FDR backed down – the only action taken was to give loans to the Chinese govt. only action taken was to give loans to the Chinese govt. to help it buy military suppliesto help it buy military supplies

1937, Dec - Japan sank a US ship in Chinese waters - 1937, Dec - Japan sank a US ship in Chinese waters - Panay - two killed and thirty wounded...but then Panay - two killed and thirty wounded...but then apologized and paid an indemnity to silence US anger - apologized and paid an indemnity to silence US anger - not yet ready for war with US, although Japanese not yet ready for war with US, although Japanese soldiers occupying China continued to subject US soldiers occupying China continued to subject US citizens to intimidation citizens to intimidation

US does not respond, accepts apologyUS does not respond, accepts apology

Japan, in July 1940, announced a plan for the future of Japan, in July 1940, announced a plan for the future of Asia called the Asia called the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere,Sphere, which was really a plan for a Japanese empire which was really a plan for a Japanese empire to include much of China, Southeast Asia and the to include much of China, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Western Pacific.

In Sept 1940 Japan signs the In Sept 1940 Japan signs the Rome - Berlin - Tokyo Rome - Berlin - Tokyo AxisAxis, promising that each would defend the other if , promising that each would defend the other if attacked.attacked.

In response the US embargoed sales of scrap metals, In response the US embargoed sales of scrap metals, chemicals, machine parts to Japanchemicals, machine parts to Japan

1940, September - Japan occupies part of French 1940, September - Japan occupies part of French Indochina (Vietnam), encouraged by the fall of France Indochina (Vietnam), encouraged by the fall of France to Germany…moving ominously close to the to Germany…moving ominously close to the PhilippinesPhilippines

US reacted to this by placing an embargo on supplies of US reacted to this by placing an embargo on supplies of iron ore, steel, rubber, oil, aviation fuel, chemicals, iron ore, steel, rubber, oil, aviation fuel, chemicals, machine parts (part Quarantine) - this pushed Japan machine parts (part Quarantine) - this pushed Japan

even closer still to the Axis Powers.even closer still to the Axis Powers.

1941, July - Japan occupied the 1941, July - Japan occupied the remainder of French Indochinaremainder of French Indochina

The US freezes all Japanese assets in The US freezes all Japanese assets in the US and ended all trade with Japanthe US and ended all trade with Japan

Diplomatic talks between Japan and Diplomatic talks between Japan and the US broke down in Oct; Japan the US broke down in Oct; Japan refused to pull out of China, refused to pull out of China, demanding free reign in region – demanding free reign in region – Admiral Tojo took over as Prime Admiral Tojo took over as Prime Minister, and Japan began formulating Minister, and Japan began formulating plans for expansion into the Dutch plans for expansion into the Dutch East Indies, Malaysia and the East Indies, Malaysia and the Philippines to find access to the Philippines to find access to the supplies, esp. oil, cut off by the USsupplies, esp. oil, cut off by the US

Japan expected a US reaction if it invaded the Japan expected a US reaction if it invaded the Philippines and that the US response wd come from Philippines and that the US response wd come from Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

It was felt that if the war came that Japan would have It was felt that if the war came that Japan would have little chance of success if it fought it in a conventional little chance of success if it fought it in a conventional way - it was decided to launch a surprise attack on the way - it was decided to launch a surprise attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor, strike a knock out blow at the US fleet at Pearl Harbor, strike a knock out blow at the naval base there, at the same time as the other naval base there, at the same time as the other invasions took place. invasions took place.

1941 - Dec. 7. attack on Pearl Harbor1941 - Dec. 7. attack on Pearl Harbor

The US was well aware of Japanese movement in the The US was well aware of Japanese movement in the Pacific but expected Japanese attacks to take place Pacific but expected Japanese attacks to take place against Britain or Dutch possessions in the South - against Britain or Dutch possessions in the South - British Malaya or the Philippines. British Malaya or the Philippines.

Felt Japan would not dare to strike directly on US forces Felt Japan would not dare to strike directly on US forces at Pearl Harbor at Pearl Harbor

No precautions had been taken against an attack, ships No precautions had been taken against an attack, ships were bunched up defenselessly in the harbor and planes were bunched up defenselessly in the harbor and planes were parked in rows on the airstrips. Easy targets. were parked in rows on the airstrips. Easy targets.

The results of the raid were catastrophic - within 2 hrs, The results of the raid were catastrophic - within 2 hrs, the US lost 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, 4 other vessels, 188 the US lost 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, 4 other vessels, 188 airplanes, and several vital shore installations. airplanes, and several vital shore installations.

Over 2,400 Americans were killed, 1,000 wounded. But Over 2,400 Americans were killed, 1,000 wounded. But fortunately the 4 aircraft carriers - the heart of the Pacific fortunately the 4 aircraft carriers - the heart of the Pacific Fleet - were out to sea on maneuvers and survived. Fleet - were out to sea on maneuvers and survived.

Some historians suggest the US / FDR knew about the Some historians suggest the US / FDR knew about the impending attack on Pearl Harbor, but let it happen – impending attack on Pearl Harbor, but let it happen – excuse to enter warexcuse to enter war

The attack united Americans in a fervent commitment to The attack united Americans in a fervent commitment to war - US territory had been attacked – what FDR was war - US territory had been attacked – what FDR was unable to achieve in the past several years, almost total unable to achieve in the past several years, almost total support for the war, compared to WWI - a direct attack on support for the war, compared to WWI - a direct attack on US territory had to be addressed…killed isolationism. US territory had to be addressed…killed isolationism.

The US declared war on Japan on Dec 8. Germany and The US declared war on Japan on Dec 8. Germany and Italy declared war on the US on Dec 11. Italy declared war on the US on Dec 11.

The U.S.S. West Virginia, Pearl HarborThe stricken U.S.S. West Virginia was one of the eight battleships caught in the surprise Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, Hawai'i, on December 7, 1941. In this photograph, sailors on a launch attempt to rescue a crew member from the water as oil burns around the sinking ship. (U.S. Army)

Great DebateGreat DebateIsolationism v Internationalism?Isolationism v Internationalism?

See separate power point See separate power point

US and W W II.US and W W II. Only nation fighting both in Europe and in the PacificOnly nation fighting both in Europe and in the Pacific

Committed to defeat Germany as first priority, and fight Committed to defeat Germany as first priority, and fight a holding action against Japan until thena holding action against Japan until then

Defeat of Germany would mean that Japan was more Defeat of Germany would mean that Japan was more likely to crumblelikely to crumble

Agreed with Britain that the war against the Axis Agreed with Britain that the war against the Axis powers would continue until they surrendered powers would continue until they surrendered unconditionallyunconditionally

US Involvement in North Africa and Europe.US Involvement in North Africa and Europe. 1942; US invasion of North Africa, under Eisenhower; 1942; US invasion of North Africa, under Eisenhower;

aid to Montgomery against Rommel….Operation Torchaid to Montgomery against Rommel….Operation Torch

Stalin furious, wants opening of a Western FrontStalin furious, wants opening of a Western Front

1943 Casablanca Conference1943 Casablanca Conference: FDR and Churchill : FDR and Churchill agree to invade Italy, the soft underbelly of Europe, and agree to invade Italy, the soft underbelly of Europe, and to insist on an "unconditional surrender" by Germany…to insist on an "unconditional surrender" by Germany…later the US applies this to Japan too later the US applies this to Japan too

Stalin is again outragedStalin is again outraged

Italy surrenders after fall of Mussolini – changes sidesItaly surrenders after fall of Mussolini – changes sides

June 6June 6thth, 1944 D-Day / , 1944 D-Day / Operation OverlordOperation Overlord, under , under Eisenhower's Command. Finally, after meeting at Eisenhower's Command. Finally, after meeting at Teheran, Stalin gets the Western Front he had been Teheran, Stalin gets the Western Front he had been requestingrequesting

Normandy landing. Air attacks. French underground. Normandy landing. Air attacks. French underground. Liberation of Paris.Liberation of Paris.

1945- Battle of the Bulge: Hitler's last desperate attempt 1945- Battle of the Bulge: Hitler's last desperate attempt

to break through Allied lines is unsuccessful. Allies to break through Allied lines is unsuccessful. Allies invade Germany. Hitler commits suicide. Germany invade Germany. Hitler commits suicide. Germany surrenders unconditionally, surrenders unconditionally, May 8May 8thth, 1945. VE day, 1945. VE day

FDR re-elected to 4th term in 1944. But dies, April FDR re-elected to 4th term in 1944. But dies, April 1945. Truman becomes President. 1945. Truman becomes President.

US v Japan in the Pacific.US v Japan in the Pacific. After Pearl Harbor, the Japanese capture the Dutch East After Pearl Harbor, the Japanese capture the Dutch East

Indies, Burma, Wake Island, Guam, Philippines, Hong Indies, Burma, Wake Island, Guam, Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaya, …Kong, Malaya, …

By May 1942, the US starts to reverse the tide; By May 1942, the US starts to reverse the tide; Battle of Battle of Coral SeaCoral Sea (near Australia): aircraft from aircraft carriers (near Australia): aircraft from aircraft carriers do battle, not battleships; US victorydo battle, not battleships; US victory

Battle of MidwayBattle of Midway: major victory for the US: reduced : major victory for the US: reduced threat to Pearl Harbor / Hawaii: Huge losses for Japan; threat to Pearl Harbor / Hawaii: Huge losses for Japan; US now seizes initiative: US Admiral NimitzUS now seizes initiative: US Admiral Nimitz

US takes US takes GuadalcanalGuadalcanal in the Solomon Islands: huge in the Solomon Islands: huge losses on both sides; Japanese fight to the death - losses on both sides; Japanese fight to the death - kamikazekamikaze

1944 - US, under McArthur captures the Marshall 1944 - US, under McArthur captures the Marshall Islands. Safeguards Australia.Islands. Safeguards Australia.

US adopts "island hopping" (leapfrogging) strategy: US adopts "island hopping" (leapfrogging) strategy: jumps over heavily fortified Japanese occupied islands.jumps over heavily fortified Japanese occupied islands.

US captures the Mariana Islands - near enough from US captures the Mariana Islands - near enough from which to attack Japanesewhich to attack Japanese

1945 - US captures Iwo Jima – huge losses1945 - US captures Iwo Jima – huge losses

After the Battle of Leyte, the US recaptures the After the Battle of Leyte, the US recaptures the Philippines.Philippines.

US captures Okinawa – near enough to Japan itself for air US captures Okinawa – near enough to Japan itself for air attacksattacks

Several US air attacks on Japanese cities. March 1945, Several US air attacks on Japanese cities. March 1945, Tokyo is fire bombed, destroying 250,000 buildings and Tokyo is fire bombed, destroying 250,000 buildings and killing 83,000 peoplekilling 83,000 people

But Japan will not surrender unconditionallyBut Japan will not surrender unconditionally

Truman estimates it will cost the lives of up to 1m Truman estimates it will cost the lives of up to 1m marines in a conventional invasionmarines in a conventional invasion

At Potsdam, Truman warns Japan that it should surrender At Potsdam, Truman warns Japan that it should surrender or be destroyed; Atomic Bomb had been developed in the or be destroyed; Atomic Bomb had been developed in the Manhattan projectManhattan project, at Alamogordo, New Mexico: key , at Alamogordo, New Mexico: key scientists are scientists are Oppenheimer and EinsteinOppenheimer and Einstein

August 6 - Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, August 6 - Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, instantly killing 80,000 and another 100,000 suffered instantly killing 80,000 and another 100,000 suffered from burns and radiation. from burns and radiation.

Japan will still not surrender unconditionally.Japan will still not surrender unconditionally.

August 8 - USSR declares war on Japan, as promised at August 8 - USSR declares war on Japan, as promised at Teheran. Captures Korea and ManchuriaTeheran. Captures Korea and Manchuria

August 9 - Atomic bomb is dropped on Nagasaki, killing August 9 - Atomic bomb is dropped on Nagasaki, killing 40,000.40,000.

August 13 - Japan surrenders / conditional: US agrees August 13 - Japan surrenders / conditional: US agrees that the Emperor Hirohito can remain onthat the Emperor Hirohito can remain on

September 2nd - McArthur officially accepts Japan’s September 2nd - McArthur officially accepts Japan’s surrender on board the surrender on board the SS MissouriSS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. VJ in Tokyo Bay. VJ Day.Day.

Truman and the Atomic Bomb / Read HandoutTruman and the Atomic Bomb / Read Handout

Learns of the project 12 days (April Learns of the project 12 days (April 2525thth) after taking over from FDR - ) after taking over from FDR - from Stimson, Sec. of Warfrom Stimson, Sec. of War

Told him it would probably be Told him it would probably be available in four monthsavailable in four months

Stimson supported using the bomb to Stimson supported using the bomb to end the war, but he also pointed out end the war, but he also pointed out some serious problems that the bomb some serious problems that the bomb would pose for the world after the war would pose for the world after the war – a possible atomic arms race and the – a possible atomic arms race and the danger of an atomic wardanger of an atomic war

To address these challenges, Stimson proposed that To address these challenges, Stimson proposed that Truman appoint a committee to advise him on policy Truman appoint a committee to advise him on policy regarding atomic weapons: Truman took the advice and regarding atomic weapons: Truman took the advice and set up and set up and Interim CommitteeInterim Committee

The goal of Truman and the Committee appears to have The goal of Truman and the Committee appears to have been to find the most effective way to use the bomb to been to find the most effective way to use the bomb to shock Japan into surrendering. shock Japan into surrendering.

Even though the Russians had promised to enter the war Even though the Russians had promised to enter the war against Japan by August 8against Japan by August 8thth, many American military , many American military leaders assumed than an amphibious landing on the leaders assumed than an amphibious landing on the Japanese mainland would be necessary to end the war. Japanese mainland would be necessary to end the war. The cost in American lives would be high, and many The cost in American lives would be high, and many believed that using the bomb could end the war without believed that using the bomb could end the war without and invasion. and invasion.

The OpinionsThe Opinions

The quotes expressed are by Henry L. Stimson, The quotes expressed are by Henry L. Stimson, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ralph A. Bard, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ralph A. Bard, and James Franck. James Franck.

Stimson’s statement expresses the majority opinion, Stimson’s statement expresses the majority opinion, that the bomb had to be used to end the war quickly that the bomb had to be used to end the war quickly and to save American lives. Secretary of States James and to save American lives. Secretary of States James Byrnes and the Interim Committee supported this…. Byrnes and the Interim Committee supported this…. other statements question the use of the weapon. other statements question the use of the weapon.

Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of WarHenry L. Stimson, Secretary of War

““In the light of the alternative, In the light of the alternative, which, on a fair estimate, which, on a fair estimate, were open to us, I believe that were open to us, I believe that no man, in our position and no man, in our position and subject to our responsibilities, subject to our responsibilities, holding in his hands a weapon holding in his hands a weapon of such possibilities for of such possibilities for accomplishing this purpose accomplishing this purpose and saving those lives, could and saving those lives, could have failed to use it and have failed to use it and afterwards looked his afterwards looked his countrymen in the face.” countrymen in the face.”

General Dwight D. Eisenhower General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Supreme Allied Commander)(Supreme Allied Commander)

““I told him [Stimson] I was I told him [Stimson] I was against it on two counts. against it on two counts. First, the Japanese were First, the Japanese were ready to surrender and it ready to surrender and it wasn’t necessary to hit wasn’t necessary to hit them with that awful thing. them with that awful thing. Second, I hated to see our Second, I hated to see our country be the first to use country be the first to use such a weapon.” such a weapon.”

Ralph A. Bard, Undersecretary of Ralph A. Bard, Undersecretary of the Navythe Navy

““I have had a feeling that I have had a feeling that before the bomb is actually before the bomb is actually used against Japan that Japan used against Japan that Japan should have some should have some preliminary warning of say preliminary warning of say two or three days in two or three days in advance… The position of advance… The position of the United States as a great the United States as a great humanitarian nation and the humanitarian nation and the fair play attitude of our fair play attitude of our people generally is people generally is responsible in the main for responsible in the main for this feeling.” this feeling.”

James Franck, University of ChicagoJames Franck, University of Chicago

““If the United States were If the United States were to be the first to release this to be the first to release this new means of new means of indiscriminate destruction indiscriminate destruction upon mankind, she would upon mankind, she would sacrifice public support sacrifice public support throughout the world, throughout the world, precipitate the race for precipitate the race for armaments, and prejudice armaments, and prejudice the possibility of reaching the possibility of reaching an international agreement an international agreement on the future control of on the future control of such weapons.” such weapons.”

Truman’s Options in Ending the War Truman’s Options in Ending the War

1. Drop the bomb on Japanese cities to force an immediate end to 1. Drop the bomb on Japanese cities to force an immediate end to the warthe war

2. Carry out a demonstration of the weapon to persuade Japan to 2. Carry out a demonstration of the weapon to persuade Japan to surrendersurrender

3. Launch an invasion of Japan3. Launch an invasion of Japan

4. Rely on Japan's deteriorating military situation and the entry of 4. Rely on Japan's deteriorating military situation and the entry of the Soviet Union into the war to force Japanese surrender.the Soviet Union into the war to force Japanese surrender.

5. Negotiate surrender terms acceptable to Japan and the US5. Negotiate surrender terms acceptable to Japan and the US

The DecisionThe Decision

The Interim Committee made its decision and gave it The Interim Committee made its decision and gave it to Truman on June 1st, 1945.to Truman on June 1st, 1945.

"The present view of the Committee was that the "The present view of the Committee was that the bomb should be used against Japan as soon as bomb should be used against Japan as soon as possible; that it be used on a war plant surrounded possible; that it be used on a war plant surrounded by workers' homes; and that it be used without prior by workers' homes; and that it be used without prior warning.” –Recording Secretary R. Gordon Arneson, warning.” –Recording Secretary R. Gordon Arneson, from minutes taken on June 1from minutes taken on June 1

The Decision continued…The Decision continued… Secretary of State Byrnes informed the president of the Secretary of State Byrnes informed the president of the

Interim Committee’s decision. Later he said that “with Interim Committee’s decision. Later he said that “with reluctance [Truman] had to agree that he could think reluctance [Truman] had to agree that he could think of no alternative and found himself in accord with of no alternative and found himself in accord with what I told him the Committee was going to what I told him the Committee was going to recommend.”recommend.”

Truman seems to have made his decision the day he Truman seems to have made his decision the day he received the report, but he did not give the order to received the report, but he did not give the order to drop the bomb until later. drop the bomb until later.

Why did he agree with the Committee? Why did he Why did he agree with the Committee? Why did he choose option 1? choose option 1?

The Decision continued…The Decision continued…

Apparently, Truman rejected option 2, a Apparently, Truman rejected option 2, a demonstration, for reasons offered by the Interim demonstration, for reasons offered by the Interim Committee and its Scientific Panel. A demonstration Committee and its Scientific Panel. A demonstration would not help to end the war. The committee did not would not help to end the war. The committee did not offer evidence to support this judgment. offer evidence to support this judgment.

They knew, however, that a successful test would not They knew, however, that a successful test would not necessarily cause the Japanese to surrender necessarily cause the Japanese to surrender unconditionally. An unsuccessful test would be worse unconditionally. An unsuccessful test would be worse than none. than none.

The Decision continued…The Decision continued… Truman placed the highest value on ending the war Truman placed the highest value on ending the war

with the loss of as few American lives as possible. with the loss of as few American lives as possible. Both options 3and 4 would cost countless American Both options 3and 4 would cost countless American lives and bring an indefinite extension of the war with lives and bring an indefinite extension of the war with no certain outcome. no certain outcome.

Option 4 had an added disadvantage. If the Soviets Option 4 had an added disadvantage. If the Soviets entered the fighting, they would gain an advantage in entered the fighting, they would gain an advantage in postwar negotiations about new governments in postwar negotiations about new governments in Eastern Europe. Truman and other U.S. leaders Eastern Europe. Truman and other U.S. leaders preferred not to be indebted to the Soviets for any preferred not to be indebted to the Soviets for any help in ending the war with Japan. help in ending the war with Japan.

The Decision continued…The Decision continued…

Truman probably never viewed option 5 as a real Truman probably never viewed option 5 as a real possibility. The only surrender acceptable to possibility. The only surrender acceptable to American leaders would be unconditional. The only American leaders would be unconditional. The only surrender acceptable to the Japanese would include at surrender acceptable to the Japanese would include at least one condition: that they be allowed to keep their least one condition: that they be allowed to keep their emperor. Truman saw the bomb as just another emperor. Truman saw the bomb as just another weapon- legitimate in wartime, when the goal was to weapon- legitimate in wartime, when the goal was to win. He saw it as more destructive, perhaps, but not win. He saw it as more destructive, perhaps, but not ethically different from the fire bombing of Dresden ethically different from the fire bombing of Dresden or Tokyo. or Tokyo.

The OutcomeThe Outcome

The bomb was successfully tested on July 16, 1945 at The bomb was successfully tested on July 16, 1945 at a remote desert site near Alamogordo, New Mexico. a remote desert site near Alamogordo, New Mexico. J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who directed J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who directed the production of the bomb, said, “We waited until the production of the bomb, said, “We waited until the blast had passed, walked out of the shelter and the blast had passed, walked out of the shelter and then it was extremely solemn. We knew the world then it was extremely solemn. We knew the world would not be the same.” would not be the same.”

The Outcome continued…The Outcome continued…

On August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb, carrying more On August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb, carrying more power than 20,000 tons of TNT, was dropped on power than 20,000 tons of TNT, was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, an important military center. The Hiroshima, Japan, an important military center. The next day President Truman gave a statement that next day President Truman gave a statement that included the following: “Let there be no mistake: we included the following: “Let there be no mistake: we shall completely destroy Japan’s power to make us shall completely destroy Japan’s power to make us war. Only a Japanese surrender will stop us.” war. Only a Japanese surrender will stop us.”

The InterpretationsThe Interpretations

During the years following the summer in 1945, three During the years following the summer in 1945, three main interpretations have emerged.main interpretations have emerged.

One is that Truman and Stimson were correct in their One is that Truman and Stimson were correct in their idea that the bombings were necessary to end the war idea that the bombings were necessary to end the war and save lives. According to this view, these were the and save lives. According to this view, these were the only significant motives of those who ordered the only significant motives of those who ordered the bombing of Hiroshima and, three days later. bombing of Hiroshima and, three days later.

Nagasaki.Nagasaki.

The Interpretations continued…The Interpretations continued…

Another interpretation is that dropping the bomb was Another interpretation is that dropping the bomb was unnecessary, even immoral. People holding this view unnecessary, even immoral. People holding this view argued that while Truman and the others were honest, argued that while Truman and the others were honest, they were also naïve; they failed to take into account they were also naïve; they failed to take into account the long-term effects of dropping the bomb, such as the long-term effects of dropping the bomb, such as the arms race and the Cold War. the arms race and the Cold War.

The Interpretations continued…The Interpretations continued… A third group also saw the bombings as unnecessary and unwise. A third group also saw the bombings as unnecessary and unwise.

In addition, they said that Truman and the other policy makers In addition, they said that Truman and the other policy makers had ulterior motives, that they engaged in had ulterior motives, that they engaged in “atomic “atomic diplomacydiplomacy.” That is, they used the bombings to try to .” That is, they used the bombings to try to intimidate the Soviets. As a result, said this group, they failed to intimidate the Soviets. As a result, said this group, they failed to seriously consider alternatives to dropping the bomb. seriously consider alternatives to dropping the bomb.

The U.S. was far too quick to drop the second bomb on The U.S. was far too quick to drop the second bomb on Nagasaki, not giving Japan enough time to respondNagasaki, not giving Japan enough time to respond

If the real reason for dropping the bomb was to intimidate If the real reason for dropping the bomb was to intimidate Russia, then surely another way of doing so could have been Russia, then surely another way of doing so could have been found, rather than at the expense of thousands of Japanese found, rather than at the expense of thousands of Japanese civilians.civilians.

The Interpretations continued…The Interpretations continued…

Later, there was and is much interpretation and Later, there was and is much interpretation and controversy over the decision to drop the bomb. As controversy over the decision to drop the bomb. As time passes, new evidence becomes available. The time passes, new evidence becomes available. The first viewpoint found support in later evidence from first viewpoint found support in later evidence from Japan which seemed to show that without the Japan which seemed to show that without the bombings, the war might have continued for many bombings, the war might have continued for many months. months.

Such findings support the often repeated but much Such findings support the often repeated but much challenged idea that the bombings saved as many as challenged idea that the bombings saved as many as 1,000,000 American lives. 1,000,000 American lives.

The Interpretations continued…The Interpretations continued…

Another source of new evidence has been medical Another source of new evidence has been medical reports about those who survived the bombings at reports about those who survived the bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Many sickened and died Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Many sickened and died soon afterward. Over the years, more evidence ahs soon afterward. Over the years, more evidence ahs emerged about long-term effects of atomic radiation. emerged about long-term effects of atomic radiation. Today, for example, survivors of the bombings have a Today, for example, survivors of the bombings have a higher than average incidence of leukemia and higher than average incidence of leukemia and thyroid cancer. Thus, medical reports about survivors thyroid cancer. Thus, medical reports about survivors add to the evidence used by those who raised ethical add to the evidence used by those who raised ethical questions about the bomb. questions about the bomb.

There is no doubt that it was one of the opening shots of There is no doubt that it was one of the opening shots of the Cold War - a warning to the Soviets who had moved the Cold War - a warning to the Soviets who had moved into Eastern Europe - to keep out of Asia. The U.S. into Eastern Europe - to keep out of Asia. The U.S. wanted to end the war there before the Soviets could wanted to end the war there before the Soviets could

make territorial gains in the Far East. ….make territorial gains in the Far East. ….Atomic Atomic DiplomacyDiplomacy

Atomic bomb DBQAtomic bomb DBQ

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source, audience, voice, details, general thesissource, audience, voice, details, general thesis