what impact did these factors have on the course of the war

How did the United States’ motivations for entering World War II impact our actions?

Following World War I, the United States hoped to avoid further entanglement with European politics that had drawn us into war. A strong isolationist sentiment developed that questioned the wisdom of our entry into The Great War as it was then known. However, the rise of military government in Germany, Italy and Japan and their invasions of neighboring countries became a major concern for United States leaders including President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Which country suffered the greatest cost of war?

The Soviet Union suffered the greatest cost, with some 20 million civilian and military casualties. The United States, protected by two oceans from the battlefields, sustained around 420,000 war-related deaths. Iowa soldiers killed or wounded are recorded as around 2,800.

What were the major battles of the war?

How was victory achieved on each front? 1 Nagasaki, Japan, After the Atomic Bomb, 1945 (Image) 2 General Leslie Groves' Statement to the Officers about the Atomic Bomb, 1945 (Document) 3 German Instrument of Surrender, May 7, 1945 (Document) 4 Petition from Leo Szilard and Other Scientists to President Harry S. Truman, July 17, 1945 (Document) 5 Letter from Dr. Luis Alvarez to his Son about the Atomic Bomb, August 6, 1945 (Document) 6 "Atomic Bomb Opens New Era in Scientific History" Newspaper Article, August 7, 1945 (Document) 7 Japanese Instrument of Surrender, September 2, 1945 (Document) 8 Letter from President Dwight D. Eisenhower to William D. Pawley, April 9, 1955 (Document) 9 Interview of Navy Petty Officer Augustus Prince, October 20, 2004 (Video) 10 Interview with Robert Holmberg, Who Worked on the Manhattan Project, September 22, 2005 (Video)

What did President Roosevelt want?

President Roosevelt wanted to come to the aid of our British allies, but public sentiment was not yet ready to send American soldiers to fight in another European war. Meanwhile, Germany and Italy became partners with Japan that had designs on domination of Eastern Asia.

Which state played a pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb?

This newspaper article appeared in the Ames Daily Tribune, and it "unveiled" that Iowa played a pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb.

When did the Battle of Midway take place?

The image shows a Japanese carrier circling to avoid a U.S. attack during the Battle of Midway between June 4-7, 1942. This battle took place six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Midway began with a Japanese attack and ended with a decisive U.S. Naval victory.

Which country tried to negotiate an end to German expansion?

Great Britain and France tried to negotiate an end to German expansion, but the Soviet Union on Germany’s eastern front signed a non-aggression treaty with Hitler that opened the door to Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939. France and England came to the aid of the Poles and declared war on Germany.

What did Woodrow Wilson say about World War 1?

… We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion.”

How many people died in the Battle of the Armistice?

By Nov. 11, 1918 — Armistice Day — 9 million soldiers and 5 million civilians lay dead, slain not only in battle but by epidemics and starvation.

What was the final straw in the war?

The final straws were Germany’s resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare and the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram. The telegram revealed a German plot to help Mexico regain Texas, New Mexico and Arizona if it attacked America. When the United States entered the war in April 1917, the U.S.

What did women do in 1918?

Women operating drill presses to make railcar motors in 1918. As men went off to fight, women took their places in factories vital to the war effort. (© AP Images)

What would happen if all the people of a country were involved in the war?

If all the people of a country were involved in the war, then the country could ask the civilian population to make major sacrifices to win the war. And if the civilian population were necessary for victory, then they were also targets for the enemy. If World War II were a war of the people, then the people were its victims as well as its fighters. (The impact of World War II in the United States are described in Chapter 5; some of the experiences of civilians in Europe are described in Chapter 6; and the German attempt to destroy the Jewish people, known as the Holocaust, is described in Chapter 7.)

Why was the RAF important in the war?

Because the RAF was an independent service, it looked for an independent part to play in a war. The RAF developed the idea of the strategic air offensive, a direct, long-term bombing attack on the enemy's homeland to destroy the enemy's means or will to continue the war.

Why did the Luftwaffe destroy the RAF planes?

Although not designed for strategic bombing, the Luftwaffe was sent on an ongoing mission to fight and destroy the RAF's fighter planes because Germany could not invade England until it had crushed the RAF. Soon, there was a second purpose for the German air raids: to make the British people feel that there was no chance to win the war and so force Britain to make peace without a German invasion. (The background and events of the Battle of Britain are described in Chapter 2.)

Why did the Germans not think they would need the Luftwaffe to operate independently of the German ground troops?

It had no four-engine heavy bombers, large planes that can travel long distances carrying heavy loads of bombs. Because the Germans based their military planning on the belief that the war would be short, they did not think they would need the Luftwaffe to operate independently of the German ground troops.

What industries did bombers attack?

Bombers can also attack other enemy industries vital to the war effort, such as steel mills, coal mines, and dams needed to provide electric power to factories and oil ref ineries needed to provide fuel for planes and tanks.

What was the German air force's main target in the war?

In the first days of the war, the German air force (the Luftwaffe) heavily bombed Warsaw, the Polish capital. Then the Luftwaffe destroyed the center of the Dutch port of Rotterdam in May 1940.

How was World War 2 different from previous wars?

W orld War II was larger than previous wars and was fought in more parts of the world. But it was different in another way, too. It came closer than any prior conflict to being a total war. It was not fought just by soldiers and sailors. Instead, each country tried to use all its resources to support the war. Victory in World War II depended, more than anything else, on supplying armies with huge quantities of industrial products. A country needed modern weapons, including planes, bombs, tanks, submarines, aircraft carriers, and machine guns. It needed the ships, railroads, and trucks to transport them; the fuel to run them; and the grease to lubricate them. It needed enough boots, uniforms, and helmets for its soldiers. The people who built these products, as well as the scientists and engineers who developed new weapons (see Chapter 15) and the writers and filmmakers who waged psychological warfare (see Chapter 16), were as important to the war effort as the soldiers in the armies.

How did the Civil War affect the economy?

As far as the economic effects of the Civil War are concerned, they were by and large in the favor of Northern states. Previously, many policies intended to boost the industrial sector of the United States were not given a nod because they were staunchly opposed by the legislators from the Southern states. When these legislators resigned during secession, the legislators from the Northern states lobbied to approve all the pending policies and gave the industrial sector of the United States that much-needed boost. Similarly, acts like the Morrill Tariff of 1861 and the National Bank Act of 1863, which were introduced just after the Civil War, played a crucial role in the development of the United States.

What is the opinion of historians about the Civil War?

Historians are of the opinion that the Civil War was a turning point of the American history. If one takes into consideration the causes and effects of this war, there is no questioning their opinion. Home / Uncategorized / Causes and Effects of the Civil War. Historians are of the opinion that the Civil War was a turning point ...

What was the name of the war between the Union and the Confederacy?

While the term ‘civil war’ generically refers to a war within the nation, it has now become synonymous to the American Civil War―also known as the War Between the States―of 1861, which was fought between the United States of America (a.k.a. the Union) and the Confederate States of America (a.k.a. the Confederacy).

How did the Civil War end?

The American Civil War finally came to an end with a victory for the Union on April 9, 1865. Over the next few months, the Confederate forces surrendered in different parts of the country. In course of the war, President Lincoln, under his capacity of being the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, had issued the Emancipation Proclamation which declared the freedom of all slaves. As many as 3.5 million blacks were freed from the clutches of slavery during the Civil War. The reconstruction phase, which had begun during the war itself, came to an end in 1877. During the reconstruction phase, the authorities tried to address the issues caused by reunion of states. Special emphasis was given to the act of determining the legal status of the eleven Southern states which seceded from the Union.

Why were the Southern states against slavery?

The Southern states were in favor of slavery, as they needed slaves to work as laborers on their fields. When the Federal government decided to end the unethical practice, it was strongly opposed by the politicians from the Southern states. At the end of the day, both sides were at the loggerheads with Northern states accusing the slave states ...

What is the meaning of the term "civil war"?

Historians are of the opinion that the Civil War was a turning point of the American history. If one takes into consideration the causes and effects of this war, there is no questioning their opinion. While the term ‘civil war’ generically refers to a war within the nation, it has now become synonymous to the American Civil War―also known as ...

How many people died in the American Civil War?

As many as 1,030,000 people lost their lives in this war, among which 620,000 were soldiers. The gruesomeness of this war is aptly highlighted by the fact that the death toll of this war exceeds the death toll of all the other wars of United States put together.

Why were aircraft used in the war?

Aircraft were also used to support ground troops. Ground attacks were aimed at disturbing enemy forces at the front, often during active battles. During ground attacks explosives, such as grenades and bombs, were dropped from a low altitude to ensure accuracy and machine guns were fired at targets on the ground.

What was the impact of the use of the Zeppelin airships on the war?

They became a common threat with attacks aimed at both civilian and industrial areas. The use of Zeppelin airships caused fear throughout Britain and the government used this fear to help the recruitment drive. Incendiary ammunition that could shoot down airships was eventually developed making defence easier, but air raids continued until the end of the war.

How did aerial warfare develop in 1916?

Throughout 1916 and 1917 aerial warfare developed from lone fighting to ever larger formations of aircraft and patrols. Patrol leaders would try to give themselves an element of surprise by positioning themselves above the enemy before attacking. At this point the formations would break up into individual dog fights.

What was Thomas Mottershead's role in the war?

Thomas Mottershead was working as a mechanic at the outbreak of war and enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps. In January 1917, he was on patrol with his observer, Lieutenant Gower, when they encountered two German fighters. During combat their aircraft caught fire, but Mottershead flew back over British lines, manoeuvring the aircraft in such a way as to prevent the flames harming Gower. Their aircraft collapsed on landing, trapping Mottershead in the burning wreckage. He died in hospital as a result of his injuries. He was the only Non-Commissioned Pilot to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

Why was aerial reconnaissance dangerous?

Aerial reconnaissance was a dangerous job. Taking photos of enemy positions required the pilot to fly straight and level so that the observer could take a series of overlapping images. This made them an easy target.

Why did some men only have a few hours of training before being sent on active missions?

Insufficient preparation. Some men had only a few hours of training before being sent on active missions due to an ever increasing demand for pilots. As a result, the length of basic training was minimal so it was important that their instruction was easy to understand.

Who was the highest scoring ace of the war?

Manfred von Richthofen was born into an aristocratic Prussian family in 1892. After serving in the German Army on the Western Front, he transferred to the air service in May 1915. He became the highest-scoring ace of the war with 80 official victories.and was later given command of the 'Flying Circus', a unit comprised of Germany’s elite fighter pilots. He was killed in action in April 1918 and buried by the British with full military honours.

What were the effects of WW1?

The effects of World War 1 are still being felt a century after its conclusion. It was the deadliest war which involved more countries and was more expensive than any other war before it. The weapons used during WW1 were also more advanced than any previous war, using tanks, submarines, poison gas, airplanes and long range artillery.

Why did people suffer from disease and malnutrition during the war?

Because of the war, many people suffered from disease and malnutrition because of food shortages brought about by a disruption in trade. Millions of men were also mobilized for the war, taking their labor away from farms, which cut down food production.

How Many People Died in World War 1?

World War One was one of the deadliest conflicts in the history of the human race, in which over 16 million people died. The total number of both civilian and military casualties is estimated at around 37 million people. The war killed almost 7 million civilians and 10 million military personnel.

Why did the League of Nations start after WW1?

After WW1, the need for an international body of nations that promotes security and peace worldwide became evident. This caused the founding of the League of Nations. WW1 boosted research in technology because better transport and means of communication gave countries an advantage over their enemies.

What caused dissent in Europe?

The harsh conditions of the Treaty of Versailles caused a lot of dissent in Europe, especially on the side of the Central Powers who had to pay a lot for financial reparations.

How many people died in the Armenian Genocide?

The Armenian Genocide, which left 1.5 million dead in the final years of the Ottoman Empire, was precipitated by the Ottoman political leadership believing that the Armenian people would side with Russia in World War One, leading to the empire’s ruin.

How did social life change after WW1?

Social life also changed: women had to run businesses while the men were at war and labor laws started to be enforced due to mass production and mechanization. People all wanted better living standards. After WW1, the need for an international body of nations that promotes security and peace worldwide became evident.

What was the effect of the Second World War?

The effect of the Second World War – The Holocaust Explained: Designed for schools. This leaflet was produced and distributed by the Deutsche Fichte-Bund, a nationalist organisation founded in Hamburg in 1914. The organisation spread nationalist and antisemitic propaganda in Germany and across the world.

What was the effect of the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941?

The invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941 further escalated lethal actions towards Jews. In the lead up to the invasion, Joseph Goebbels ’ propaganda against Jews and, specifically OstJuden (eastern Jews), became even more vicious. This propaganda not only gave justification for the invasion of the Soviet Union, but directly linked the invasion to Jews.

Why did the Nazis use Ancestry Passes?

Ancestry passes were used to demonstrate Aryan heritage in Nazi Germany. The Nazis often requested Ahnenpasses as proof for of eligibility for certain professions, or citizenship after 1935. Courtesy of The Wiener Holocaust Library Collections. An Ahnenpass or ancestry pass belonging to Rita Jarmes.

What was the Nazi policy of Gleichschaltung?

Courtesy of The Wiener Holocaust Library Collections. The Nazi policy of Gleichschaltung resulted in the expulsion of many Jews from their jobs. Prior to the Nazi rise to power Wilhelm Meno Simon (1885 – 1966) worked as an assistant judge and senior lawyer in Berlin.

Why did Simon move to Britain?

In 1938, following Kristallnacht, Simon emigrated to Britain (where his wife, Gerty, and son, Bernard, were already living) to escape further Nazi persecution. This is a copy of his sponsorship document, which, by 1938, was needed in order to get a visa for Britain. Courtesy of The Wiener Holocaust Library Collections.

What was the growth of nationalism after the Enlightenment?

Following the Enlightenment (late seventeenth century – early nineteenth century), there was a growth in nationalism . The rise in nationalism intensified the rise in antisemitism, which had also been growing since the Enlightenment. The First World War (1914-1918) strengthened these feelings of nationalism across Europe, as nations were pitted against each other.

Who said the decision to go to war presupposed a racial mindset?

As the historian Donald Bloxham wrote, ‘The very decision to go to war presupposed a racial mindset…everything that happened in war was liable to be interpreted in that light: frustrations were the cause for ‘revenge’; successes provided opportunities to create facts on the ground’

What was the period after the war in which attempts were made to solve the political, social, and economic problems arising?

The period after the war in which attempts were made to solve the political, social, and economic problems arising from the readmission to the Union of the former Confederate states is known as Reconstruction (1865–77).

What were the issues that divided the North and South?

Prior to the war, the North and the South had been divided for decades over the issue of slavery. Measures such as the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850 had failed to settle the issue.

Why did the Southern states secede from the Union?

In the wake of Lincoln’s election, 11 Southern states seceded from the Union to protect what they saw as their right to keep slaves. These states organized as the Confederate States of America. Jefferson Davis was the Confederate president. Lincoln was intent on preserving the Union.

What was Lincoln's intent on preserving the Union?

When he became president, he took care to avoid threats of force, but he promised to protect “the property and places” in the South belonging to the federal government. One of those places was Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina.

What was the effect of the edicts on the Union?

It also had the practical effect of permitting recruitment of African Americans for the Union army. Despite a string of early Confederate victories, the Union forces ultimately prevailed in the war.