In preparation for the initial post, consider two (2) of the following historical events:
Treaty of Versailles
Rise of fascism, militarism, and imperialism
Failure of the League of Nations
Hitler and the Nazi Party
The Lend-Lease Act
Japanese expansion and the bombing of Pearl Harbor
Then, in one (1) to two (2) paragraphs, address one (1) of the following:
Assess if the United States’ foreign policy during the 1930s helped to promote World War II. Could the United States have prevented the outbreak of World War II? If so, how? If not, why not?
Explain if the United States, despite neutrality, aided the Allies against the Axis powers.
Analyze if using atomic (nuclear) weapons to defeat enemies in war is a setback for democracy (President Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan).
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Rise of Fascism, Militarism, and Imperialism: Impact on World War II
The rise of fascism, militarism, and imperialism in the early 20th century significantly contributed to the outbreak of World War II. These ideologies fueled aggressive expansionist policies and territorial ambitions among nations, leading to heightened tensions and conflicts on a global scale. The aggressive actions of fascist regimes, such as Hitler’s Nazi Party in Germany and Japan’s imperial ambitions in Asia, challenged the existing balance of power and ultimately precipitated the devastating conflict of World War II.
While the United States pursued a policy of neutrality during the 1930s, providing limited aid to the Allies through initiatives like the Lend-Lease Act, its stance gradually shifted towards supporting the Allied powers as the war progressed. Despite initial reluctance to engage directly in the conflict, the United States recognized the threat posed by fascist aggression and the importance of upholding democratic values. President Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, while controversial, was seen as a strategic move to bring a swift end to the war and prevent further loss of life. While some may argue that using atomic weapons challenges democratic principles due to the devastating impact on civilian populations, others view it as a necessary measure to secure victory and restore peace in a time of total war.
