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The Case for War
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The Case for War
Get Ready: What were some of the RESULTS of the First World War?
In the aftermath of the war, many wondered whether profit had driven the rush to war. Popular books and committee hearings investigated whether big business had driven the country to war.
This surge of popular opinion drove the passage of the NEUTRALITY Acts, a series of acts passed by the US Congress in the 1930s (specifically 1935, 1936, 1937, and 1939) in response to the growing threats and wars that led to World War II.
The Acts prohibited the US from selling or giving away arms to any power involved in the growing conflict.
Discuss: What are the pros and cons of the Neutrality Acts?
Weariness at home
Most in the United States had been hesitant to enter the First World War, and only did so because of the outrages of the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram.
More than 100,000 Americans were killed in the final year of the war, and many in the United States wondered why.
Germany never invaded England, but engaged in a destructive bombing campaign called "The Blitz."
In March, 1938, Hitler's Germany annexed Austria. Technically, there was a vote, but Germany deployed tanks along the border as the Austrians went to the polls.
Later, they annexed Czechoslovakia. Hitler told the German people and the world that he was rebuilding pre WW1 Germany.
In 1939, Hitler shocked the world by revealing an alliance with Stalin. They had agreed to PARTITION Poland. Germany invaded from the West, and the USSR invaded from the East.
Discuss: Why did Germany never invade England?
In June of 1941, with France and England no longer a threat, Hitler turned his attention East. Without warning, he launched Operation Barbarossa, invading the Soviet Union.
War in Europe
Stalin's Red Army was caught by surprise. 20 Million Russians would die.
Historical Discussion: The Maginot Line
The Situation in Europe, 1944...What's happening here?
The Maginot Line, named after the French Minister of War André Maginot, was a line of concrete fortifications, obstacles, and weapon installations built by France in the 1930s to deter invasion by Germany.
Turn-and-talk: Why do you think the French invested so heavily in a STATIONARY defensive line?
Consider the impact of the First World War on French military thinking.
Read: Why France’s Maginot Line Wasn’t a Stupid Idea
Summarize the main idea in 2-3 sentences.
Do you see a flaw in this plan?
Anticipate: Based on this graph, why would France depend on fortifications?
In 1935, Mussolini invaded Ethiopia, promising his people to make Italy a great Roman Empire again.
The formerly isolationist nation reformed in 1868. the Empire of Japan industrialized rapidly, quickly becoming a major world power.
In 1905, Japan defeated Russia, a major European power and gained control of Manchuria and Korea.
The victory proved to Japan that they could get what they wanted through the use of their military...even against the so-called "Great Powers."
Japan invaded China twice. Once in 1895, and again in 1937
Always examine the key!
Many historians consider Japan's occupation of China's capital a war crime. During the "Rape of Nanking," 300,000 Chinese were killed, and an estimated 80,000-200,000 women were sexually assaulted.
Meanwhile, in the Pacific
The United States occupied the Philippines and many Islands in the South Pacific since the Spanish American War. These nations had many of the natural resources Japan needed to continue its expansion into Asia.
The Japanese argued that that they were extending their mission to rid Asia of Western Empires by invading the Philippines.
On December 7th, 1942, The Empire of Japan attacked America's Pacific Fleet, cutting off thousands of soldiers occupying the South Pacific. Japan quickly expanded its Empire while America was unable to respond.
Pearl Harbor
Extension: Historical Controversy
Final Task
We have been attacked. What do we do?
First, we'll read Roosevelt's address to the American people, urging a war declaration. Then, we'll read an argument against.
As members of Congress, you need to decide whether or not America should go to War.
When you have finished reading, vote for war or against.
Write an ACE paragraph - Should America have remained OUT of World War II? Why or why not?
Today, many believe that Japan does not teach the REAL history of their behavior in WWII, choosing to downplay the atrocities they committed.
Watch: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/29/anger-as-japanese-minister-visits-war-crimes-shrine-after-pearl-harbor-trip
Answer/Discuss: Should a nation honor their war dead, even if they're criminals? Why or why not?
Exit Question
Where should America concentrate its resources, Asia or Europe?
Explain your answer.