How did the American people and government respond to the inter- national crises of the 1930s? What drew the United States into World War II?  How did war mobilization transform the American economy and government? What were the major aspects of Allied military strategy in Europe and Asia? What were the major effects of World War II on American society, including minorities and women? What new issues did the U.S. government confront in defeating Germany and Japan in 1945?

 

CH 25; The Enduring Vision, Volume II: Since 18...; Paul S. Boyer

The effects of World War 2 in America should be carefully evaluated. The entry of America to the war front is always considered as an important factor which made so much impacts, Domestically and internationally.

Step-by-step explanation

?The people were shocked to face the economic crisis. Many banks began to fail because of farmers defaulted on loans in the 1930s. By seeing this trend, many depositors withdrew their savings. The money supply began to shrink. Even, all these distractions occurred many people hopefully looked upon to the federal government to introduce immediate relief measures. Herbert Hoover was the President of America during the 1930s. His government tried to correct the economic situation quickly, but was unsuccessful. He believed that high wage rates will accelerate the purchasing power of the economy, so he urged businesses to pay high wages to their employees. But later because of their deficiency in resources, they reduced wages. He also tried to increase federal spending. All these immediate measures taken in response to the international crisis of 1930s were proved to be a failure.

?American entry into the 2nd World War front should be seen in different perspectives. The advancement of Germany in Europe made the American public opinion to change their mind from the concept of isolationism. By 1941, Roosevelt and Churchill jointly condemned the concepts of Nazism and Fascism in the Atlantic Charter. But the cut of economic sanctions and oil to Japanese and their reaction through the attack of pearl Harbour, formally made America to enter into war with Japan and fought with the allied powers to defeat the axis powers.

?War mobilisation greatly helped America to revive itself from the recession of economy. War production increased and the supply of war materials to the allied powers created high income to the country. Financial assistance were also given to Britain and America, which later made America into prosperity. The growth of Science and Technology, especially the innovations like the Atomic Productions also made America n economy and the government to move towards more prosperity.

?The military strategy for Europe was finalised by the allies at the Tehran Conference between Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin in 1943. In 1944 Summer there would be a huge cross channel invasion in Europe and a small invasion in France. Russia would launch an all out offensive on its front with Germany. Thus from East and West, Germany would be crushed.

The Allied strategy in Asia, mainly called as the Pacific strategy was started from 1941. Southwest pacific and Central Pacific campaigns were led by the allies under American leadership. By 1944 the allied powers took over the control of sea, sky and land through their successful advancement of these campaigns and succeeded in defeating Japan, by bombardments through sky.

?After the War, the civic life of the people improved on a great scale. The standard of life improved due to the advancement in new areas. Lot of people who were earlier distressed were blessed with new employment opportunities.

The most important people who benefitted from the post war era were Women and minorities. Around 6 million women workers were retained on the labor force even after the war. Their status increased and the individuality of them became important for them. Similarly the minorities too became actively enrolled in the new labor forces. This group also benefitted more social status than before.

?After the defeat of Germany and Japan, America faced new challenges. The defeat of Japan was celebrated vigorously in all the streets of America. The youth of America were joyful to lead these celebrations. But this Euphoria didn't last too much. Joseph Stalin and his Communist regime took over most of the European territories and demanded more compensation. His argument was that, in the war more soviet life was lost. This type of another totalitarian power was not at all acceptable to America because of their commitment to Free trade economy and Democracy. Soon the new era 'Cold War' came as a new threat to the World order. These new issues made a division in the world into two power blocks i.e the Communist block under the Soviet Union and the Capitalist block under the USA.