History 170B M2
How are stocks valued on the stock market? What is "buying on margin"? What is a "speculative bubble"?
+ How were stocks valued? When stocks are bought and sold, the transactions are reflected on the New York Stock Exchange. Theoretically the price of a stock is determined by the overall worth and health of the corporation. However, stock prices often go up and down rather unpredictably. - Buying on margin, "ninety percent of the purchase price of the stock was being made with borrowed money." Purchasing stock with a little money down with the promise of paying the balance at sometime in the future - Economic Bubble People invest in the stock market like crazy, buying shares, hoping that the value of the company would increase and sell it off at a higher price and make a profit. Stock shares rise, and that increases speculation.
What was the FERA? What was the NRA? What was the TVA? What kinds of things did the Civil Works Administration do? What did the Public Works Administration do?
- A relief effort for the unemployeed with immediate relief goals looked for immediate relief rather than long-term alleviation, and its Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was headed by the zealous Harry L. Hopkins. - NRA by far the most complicated of the programs, was designed to assist industry, labor, and the unemployed. There were maximum hours of labor, minimum wages, and more rights for labor union members. - Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) an agency that built and operated dams and power plants on Tennessee River; also promoted flood control, soil conservation, and reforestation. improved standard of living for millions of inhabitants of the valley. - CWA put people directly on the federal payroll to repair roads, paint schools, and build public things. But doesn't last long enough, helps during winter and gets cut during summer. - PWA intended both for industrial recovery and for unemployment relief. Headed by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes (incorruptible), it aimed at long-range recovery by spending over $4 billion on some 34,000 projects that included public buildings, highways, and parkways (i.e. the Grand Coulee Dam of the Columbia River).
Who was A. Phillip Randolph? What was Executive Order 8802? What was Executive Order 9066?
- A. Philip Randolph was a labor and civil rights leader in the 1940s who led the brotherhood of sleeping car porters; he demanded that FDR create a fair employment practices commission to investigate job discrimination in war industries. FDR agreed only after Randolph threaten a march on Washington by African Americans. - Executive Order 8802 1941; FDR passed it which prohibited discriminatory employment practices by fed agencies and all unions and companies engaged in war related work; established the Fair Employment Practices Commission to enforce the new policy. - Executive order 9066 1942; gave War Department power to evacuate Japanese Americans from the West Coast and put them in interment camps; put into effect nearly instantaneously.
What was the CCC? What was the WPA?
- CCC brought young city men to the countryside, employed about 3 million men (between 18-25) to work on projects that benefited the public, planting trees to reforest areas, building levees for flood control, and improving national parks, etc. Most pop form of legislation. Men only keep 20-25% of $, rest sent back to family. Gave the men food, shelter, and discipline. - Works Progress Administration (WPA) Harry Hopkins in charge. established to make project jobs (i.e. nearly every public building was built in the 1930's under the WPA).
What was the Fair Labor Standards Act? The National Labor Relations Act? What was the Wagner Act?
- Fair Labor Standards Act established a national minimum wage, guaranteed time and a half for overtime in certain jobs [40 hrs/wk, 40 cents/hr.], and prohibited most employment of minors in "oppressive child labor." - National Labor Relations Act allowed people to join unions without fear. protected against strike. gave labor a voice. - Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act)(Tammany twins) guaranteed the right of unions to organize and to collectively bargain with management.
Who was Huey Long? Francis Townsend? Father Coughlin? Upton Sinclair?
- Francis Townsend attracted the trusting support of perhaps 5 million "senior citizens" with his fantastic plan of each senior receiving $200 month, provided that all of it would be spent within the month. Also, this was a mathematically silly plan. - Huey Long popular for his "Share the Wealth" program. Proposing "every man a king," each family was to receive $5000, allegedly from the rich. Seen an a Shady political operator and dangerous by FDR. HL get assassinated, but the movement doesn't stop. - Father Coughlin a Catholic priest in Michigan who at first was with FDR then disliked the New Deal and voiced his opinions on radio. Criticizes FDR and puts a lot of pressure on FDR to do more. - Upton Sinclair (wrote "The Jungle") was a socialist turned Democrat, runs for governor of California. Almost becomes CA's governor with a very socialist plan, asked for FDR's endorsement, he says no of course.
What did the Allies think they learned at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa?
- Guadalcanal on the swamp-and-jungle-covered island near Australia; each side won small battles before the Jap's fled the island in 1943 (one of the island hopping battles) - Battle of Iwo Jima On 19 February 1945, Marines landed in the Pacific in what was the largest all-Marine battle in history. It was also the bloodiest in Marine Corps history. The US suffered over 7,000 casualties. The capture of Iwo Jima greatly increased the air support and bombing operations against the Japanese home islands. US victory - Battle of Okinawa First Japanese Home island (only 350 miles from mainland Japan) to be invaded. Island of immense strategic value. Involving over 500,000 troops and over 1,200 ships. Battle showed Japanese determination to resist invasion. Am's lost over 12,000 lives and Jap's over 100,000 defenders. it lasted 3 months and the Allies won. - In Saipan once the Americans were able to take take control Saipan, the Japanese would rather commit mass suicide than to be taken prisoner by the "EVIL" Americans. Americans learned that the Japanese had a victory at all cost, no surrender mentality, mass suicide took play in these battles as well as Banzi Charges. These charges consisted of mass amount of Japanese troops just charging allied forces and getting mowed down.
What do scholars believe were the causes of the Great Depression?
- Maldistribution of wealth - 1920's Speculation Bubbles. Black Thursday panic selling - Sick Industries, making things people dont want to buy. - Money and trade policies, poor policies.
Who were the Brown Shirts? What does Der Fuehrer mean?
- SA Also known as "Brown Shirts," they were the Nazi party's main instrument for undermining democracy and facilitating Adolf Hitler's rise to power. The SA was the predominant terrorizing arm of the Nazi party. They continued to exist throughout the Third Reich, but were of lesser political significance after 1934. - Der Fuehrer is a German title meaning leader or guide now most associated with Adolf Hitler. He was a basic bitch and copied Mussolini.
When did China "fall"? When did the Soviets get the Atomic Bomb?
- The "fall" of mainland China to communism in 1949 led the United States to suspend diplomatic ties with the PRC for decades. August 29, 1949 Soviets explode atomic bomb
What was the purpose of the Washington Conference? The Kellogg- Briand Pact?
- This man sought for a way to replace the League of Nations that would ensure international peace and stability. The Washington Conference was held in order to prevent a naval armament race among the U.S., Britain, and Japan. Hughes called for the dramatic reduction of armaments in all three nations and for a ten year moratorium on the construction of large ships. - A treaty coauthored by American and French leaders in 1928; in principle outlawed war forever; ratified subsequently by other nations. The treaty had, however, no instruments of enforcement.
Why do we call it "The Great Depression"?
- Unemployment is really high 20-30% - 1/3 of Americans with no jobs - Those who are employed are underemployed - Lasted from 1929-1942/3 - Hits everyone - Mass economic failure
Who was Vladimir Lenin? Joseph Stalin?
- Vladimir Lenin led the Bolshevik (Communist) Revolution in Russia in 1917. He would lead the Communists to victory in the Civil War and would rule until his death in 1924. - Joseph Stalin Russian leader who succeeded Lenin as head of the Communist Party and created a totalitarian state by purging all opposition (1879-1953)
What was the Sudetenland? What happened at the Munich conference? What was Appeasement? What was the Anschluss?
- ignorant leader of Britain. gave into Hitler's demands of Czechoslovakia and the Sudetenland. thought Hitler would stop just because he had signed an agreement (stupid.). said Britain would fight Germany if Hitler tried to take Poland - Munich conference, meeting between, Chamberlain (Britian), Mussolini (Italy), Daladier (France) and Hitler (Germany). An agreement was reached that Hitler could annex the Sudetenland provided he promised not to invade anywhere else. big sign of appeasement of Germany. - Appeasement giving in to an aggressor to keep peace. policy of Britain and France toward Germany before WWII. - Anschluss union between Germany and Austria, which was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles.
What was the Truman Doctrine?
--Grew out of George Kennan's 1946 "Long Telegram" which argued that the US should follow a policy of "containment" to stop Russian expansion. --The Truman Doctrine was a containment strategy in preventing any further expansion of Soviet power and influence. --Long speech about giving countries help who are at risk of communism -- Supports monarchy in Greece & stops Soviet involvement in Turkey --US involved financially and politically --Defined role for America in early decades of Cold War --Truman Doctrine established American policy- but did things not democratic --Polarized view "Us vs. Them" "Free Vs. UnFree" --Policy of containment spreads idea (free vs. unfree) leads to controversy and mistakes --With the Truman Doctrine, President Truman established that the United States would provide political, military and economic assistance to all pro-US government and/or anti-Soviet governments, regardless of corruption, tyranny, and/or undemocratic behavior. The Truman Doctrine effectively reoriented U.S. foreign policy, away from its usual stance of withdrawal from regional conflicts not directly involving the United States, to one of possible intervention in far away conflicts. --The United States was to support the Monarchy in Greece and stop Soviet involvement in Turkey. --Truman introduced an idea that if America let one country fall to communism, all the countries round about would follow, (this was later called "The Domino Theory")
Who was elected president in 1928? 1932? 1936? 1940? 1944?
1928 Herbert Hoover 1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt 1936 Franklin D. Roosevelt 1940 Franklin D. Roosevelt 1944 Franklin D. Roosevelt
Who was Chiang Kai-shek?
A military officer who succeeded Sun Yat-sen as leader of the Guomindang or Nationalist party in China in the mid-1920; became the most powerful leader in China in the early 1930s, but his Nationalist forces were defeated and driven from China by the Communists after World War II.
What and when was the Berlin Blockade? What was the Berlin Airlift?
A wall separating or dividing the city of Berlin, Germany into East and West. It was built by East Germany, which was communist, in 1961 to keep citizens from escaping to the West, which was democratic. The wall came down in 1989. Stalin prevented resources and supplies from reaching West Berlin, hoping to starve the W.Berliners into accepting Soviet leadership. Berlin Airlift supplied food and fuel to citizens of West Berlin when the Russians closed off land access to Berlin in 1948
What was the Agricultural Adjustment Act?
AAA was a United States federal law of the New Deal era which reduced agricultural production by paying farmers subsidies not to plant on part of their land and to kill off excess livestock. Its purpose was to reduce crop surplus and therefore effectively raise the value of crops. Farmers were paid to do so, but the AAA failed. The program wasn't large enough to affect prices.
Who was Adolph Hitler and what was his link to National Socialism?
Adolph Hitler(From Austria)became chancellor in January 1933; believed that Germany had not lost the war but had been betrayed by socialists, liberals, communists, and Jews. He was a decorated soldier, was bitter to hear that Germany lost WW1. He joins the National Socialist Germany workers party (aka NAZI Party)
Who gave the "Iron Curtain" speech?
After WWII, Winston Churchill's term for the Cold War division between the Soviet-dominated East and the U.S.-dominated West. He stated that "An iron curtain has descended (fallen) across the Continent (Europe)
Which nations were the "Allies"? The Axis?
Allies: U.S., Great Britain, Soviet Union, China Axis: Germany, Italy, Japan
What did "Alphabet Soup" refer to?
Alphabet Soup refers to the many measures passed during FDR's first hundred days of presidency. i.e. WPA CCC AAA ect (Alphabet Soup)
What was different about the way the Japanese chose to defend Okinawa-as well as during the previous battle at Iwo Jima?
Americans learned that the Japanese had a victory at all cost, no surrender mentality, mass suicide took play in these battles as well as Banzi Charges. These charges consisted of mass amount of Japanese troops just charging allied forces and getting mowed down.
What caused Americans to change their opinions about Isolationism?
Americans turned away from isolationism as events brought the war "home" to Americans. The bombing of Pearl Harbor (followed by Hitler's declaration of war) were the last steps in removing the isolationism.
When did Roosevelt die?
April 12, 1945 died during his 4th term of presidency
What happened at the Potsdam Conference? The Potsdam Declaration?
August 1945 Stalin, Truman and Attlee Stalin had expanded into EE and had set up a communist government in Poland what was the first agreement? to divide Germany and Berlin as previously agreed what was the second agreement? to demilitarise Germany what was the third agreement? to re-establish democracy in Germany including free elections, a free press and freedom of speech what was the fourth agreement? that Germany had to pay reparations to the allies in equipment and materials was the fifth agreement? to ban the Nazi party what was the sixth agreement? to participate fully in the United Nations Organisation what was the seventh agreement? that Poland's frontier was to be moved westwards to the river Oder and Neisse the amount of reparations - Stalin wanted more but Truman disagreed Dissagreed about free elections - Truman wanted them, Stalin didn't relations between the USA and USSR worsened due to lack of trust and cooperation between the leaders. Both had different ideals. the Americans successfully testing an atomic bomb. Stalin was not informed until the conference and was then furious he had not been consulted beforehand The Potsdam Declaration or the Proclamation Defining Terms for Japanese Surrender is a statement that called for the surrender of all Japanese armed forces during World War II. On July 26, 1945, United States President Harry S. Truman, United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Chairman of the Nationalist Government of China Chiang Kai-shek issued the document, which outlined the terms of surrender for the Empire of Japan as agreed upon at the Potsdam Conference. This ultimatum stated that, if Japan did not surrender, it would face "prompt and utter destruction."
What does Il Duce mean?
Benito Mussolini Known as "Il Duce" (The Leader)
Who was Kim Il-Sung?
Communist leader of North Korea; his attack on South Korea in 1950 started the Korean War. He remained in power until 1994.
What was Lend-Lease?
Controversial 1941 law that made America the "arsenal of democracy" by providing supposedly temporary military material (Lend or Lease arms) assistance to Britain and other supplies to the Allies, signifying increasing likelihood of American involvement in World War II.
What was Court Packing? How did it affect the New Deal?
Court Packing proposal by FDR allowed president to appoint new Supreme Court justices, totaling 6 in all. (FAILED)(Get people who think like FDR) During the previous two years, the high court had struck down several key pieces of New Deal legislation on the grounds that the laws delegated an unconstitutional amount of authority to the executive branch and the federal government. By a narrow majority upheld as constitutional the National Labor Relations Act and the Social Security Act.
When was the Normandy Invasion and why was it important?
D-Day June 6, 1944 - Led by Eisenhower, over 150,000 troops stormed the beaches at Normandy and began the process of re-taking France. turning point of European WWII; Allies start of taking back France and race to Berlin; foothold on European continent
What was the Battle of the Bulge?
December, 1944-January, 1945 - After recapturing France, the Allied advance became stalled along the German border. In the winter of 1944, Germany staged a massive counterattack in Belgium and Luxembourg which pushed a 30 mile "bulge" into the Allied lines. The Allies stopped the German advance and threw them back across the Rhine with heavy losses.
How did the banking industry respond as the stock market began to crash? Were their efforts successful?
During the Great Depression was a wave of banking panics or "bank runs," during which large numbers of anxious people withdrew their deposits in cash, forcing banks to liquidate loans and often leading to bank failure. The American banking system was characteristic by having many small to medium sized firms. America had over 30,000 banks. The effect of this was that they were prone to going bankrupt if there was a run on deposits. In particular, many banks in rural areas went bankrupt due to the agricultural recession. This had a negative impact on the rest of the financial industry. Between 1923 and 1930, 5,000 banks collapsed.
What happened at the Yalta Conference?
FDR, Churchill and Stalin met at Yalta. Russia agreed to declare war on Japan after the surrender of Germany and in return FDR and Churchill promised the USSR concession in Manchuria and the territories that it had lost in the Russo-Japanese War.
Who was Benito Mussolini? What were the Fascists?
Fascist leader of Italy from 1922-45. Originally a Socialist, he was an early member of the Black Shirts, Italy's fascist party. He led the overthrow of the Italian government in 1922 and led Italy through World War II. He was assassinated in 1945. - Fascist- Political and economic movement that emphasizes nationalism and militarism with a state-controlled economy. Fascism was linked to the political parties that controlled Germany and Italy before and during World War II. Personal rights are limited and obedience to the state is paramount.
Who won the Spanish Civil War and who helped them?
Francisco Franco Spanish General; organized the revolt in Morocco, which led to the Spanish Civil War. Leader of the Nationalists - right wing, supported by Hitler and Mussolini, won the Civil War after three years of fighting.
Who was Francisco Franco?
Francisco Franco Spanish General; organized the revolt in Morocco, which led to the Spanish Civil War. Leader of the Nationalists - right wing, supported by Hitler and Mussolini, won the Civil War after three years of fighting. Rules Spain as a fascist state.
Who was Franklin Delano Roosevelt?
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only U.S. president to be elected four times. He led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II. He became engaged to Eleanor Roosevelt, his fifth cousin. She was the niece of Franklin's idol, Theodore Roosevelt. FDR contracts polio, regains limited use of legs, press never see him in a wheelchair. FDR would use steel braces, no one ever looked at FDR as being disabled. Was almost always seen in a car.
Who was Harry S. Truman?
He was the US president who came to power following the death of FDR
Who was Hirohito? What was the Imperial Way? What happened at Nanking?
Hirohito was the emperor of Japan. Imperial Way was the unofficial political faction in Japanese Imperial army that supported a totalitarian militarist and expansionist military gov, in 1920 and 30. Nanking massacre Happened in the Chinese city of Nanking. The Japanese troops taking over killed 300,000 people in 6 weeks. Experts estimate that 20,000 women and girls were raped.
What was PECE? What was POUR? What was the Reconstruction Finance Corporation?
Hoover formed the President's Emergency Committee on Employment (PECE) in the fall of 1930 to coordinate private organizations' efforts to help the unemployed. PECE morphed into a new agency, the President's Organization for Unemployment Relief (POUR), which essentially carried on its predecessor's mission of mobilizing private assistance. POUR did assume more of an advisory role than PECE, suggesting federal public works programs and strategies to fight unemployment; it did not, however, push for federal relief programs.
What were "Hoovervilles"?
Hoovervilles were shantytowns (Tin and scrap) built by unemployed and destitute people during the Depression of the early 1930s. Things began to look grim for the 1932 election.
When did the Great Depression end? What had changed by that point?
However comprehensive the New Deal seemed, it failed to achieve its main goal: ending the Depression. In 1939, the unemployment rate was still 19 percent, and not until 1943 did it reach its pre-Depression levels. The massive spending brought by the American entry to the Second World War ultimately cured the nation's economic woes.
In the eyes of most historians and economists, what did Roosevelt do wrong? What did he do right?
However comprehensive the New Deal seemed, it failed to achieve its main goal: ending the Depression. In 1939, the unemployment rate was still 19 percent, and not until 1943 did it reach its pre-Depression levels. The massive spending brought by the American entry to the Second World War ultimately cured the nation's economic woes. The New Deal itself created millions of jobs and sponsored public works projects that reached most every county in the nation. Federal protection of bank deposits ended the dangerous trend of bank runs. Abuse of the stock market was more clearly defined and monitored to prevent collapses in the future. The Social Security system was modified and expanded to remain one of the most popular government programs for the remainder of the century. For the first time in peacetime history the federal government assumed responsibility for managing the economy.
What was the "Share Our Wealth" plan?
Huey Long popular for his "Share the Wealth" program. Proposing "every man a king," each family was to receive $5000, allegedly from the rich. Seen an a Shady political operator and dangerous by FDR. HL get assassinated, but the movement doesn't stop.
Why was Hoover seen as the ideal man for the presidency as the Great Depression hit?
In the U.S. presidential election of 1928, Hoover ran as the Republican Party's nominee. Promising to bring continued peace and prosperity to the nation. In the U.S. presidential election of 1928, Hoover ran as the Republican Party's nominee. Promising to bring continued peace and prosperity to the nation.
What is Isolationism? Why were Americans sympathetic to it in the period after WWI?
Isolationism a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries.
How did Japanese leaders react to the dropping of the first atomic bomb?
Japanese leaders believed that the U.S. only had one A-Bomb in there arsenal. So they decided to not surrender.
What was the purpose of the America First Committee? Who was its most prominent member?
Leading isolationist group advocating that America focus on continental defense and non-involvement with the European war. The college community was its Prominent member, "It Europe's problem not ours" mentality
What was the Mukden Incident? What was the China Incident?
Mukden Incident a "Chinese" attack on a Japanese railway near the city of Mukden (had actually been carried out by Japanese soldiers disguised as Chinese); used by Japan as an excuse to seize Manchuria. China Incident referring to Japan's invasion of China, where the US did not recognize it as a war, so they could continue to send supplies to both countries.
Who were the Black Shirts?
Mussolini's private army. He convinced the Black Shirts that they were not just the anti-theist to the Red Shirts (the Communists) but that they were actually creating their own Revolution. They destroyed socialist newspapers, union halls, and Socialist party headquarters, eventually pushing Socialists out of the city governments of Northern Italy.
What does NATO stand for?
NATO stands for The North Atlantic Treaty Organization. was created as a consequence for the Berlin blockade
Who were the Nazis?
National Socialist German Workers' Party (NAZI Party) emerged from turbulent situation in Munich after the war; attracted attention of Adolf Hitler
Who was Leon Trotsky and what happened to him?
One of the leaders of the Russian Communist revolution (1917). A close supporter of Lenin, he was largely responsible for creating the Red Army. After Lenin's death in 1924, he and Stalin sought control of the party; Stalin won. He was deported in 1929 and murdered in 1940 by an agent of Stalin.A meaning less rival yet killed with an ice axe in mexico.
What was the Ludlow Amendment?
Proposed constitutional amendment that would have required a public referendum for a declaration of war except in case of attack on American territory; measure was tabled in 1938 under severe pressure from the White House.
What was Upton Sinclair's plan to deal with the depression in California?
Sinclair laid out his vision for EPIC in his book I, Governor of California, and How I ended Poverty: A True Story of the Future. Specifically, the plan called for state seizure of idle factories and farm land where the owner had failed to pay property taxes.The government would then hire the unemployed to work on the farms and at the factories. The farms would then operate as self-sufficient, worker-run co-ops. EPIC also called for the implementation of California's first state income tax.The tax was to be progressive, with the wealthiest being taxed at 30%. The plan would also have increased inheritance taxes and instituted a 4% tax on stock transfers. EPIC also included government provided pensions for the old, disabled, and widowed. To implement EPIC, Sinclair called for the creation of three new government agencies: the California Authority for Land (CAL), the California Authority for Production (CAP), and the California Authority for Money (CAM). CAL was to implement the plan for seizure and cultivation of unused farm lands. CAP was to do the same for idle factories. CAM meanwhile was to be used to finance CAL and CAP by issuing scrip to workers and issues bonds for the purchase of lands, factories, and machinery.
Who was Winston Churchill?
Soldier, politician and finally prime minister, Winston Churchill was one of Britain's greatest 20th-century heroes. He is particularly remembered for his indomitable spirit while leading Great Britain to victory in World War II.
What role did 1920s speculation play in the lead up to the Depression?
Speculation in stock means to buy stock with the assumption that it can always be sold at a profit. In the spring of 1929 several prominent financial experts warned against the widespread speculation in stocks. They knew the price of stocks had been driven up by margin buying, until prices were well above any real value based on the company's profits and overall worth.
What was Strategic Bombing? What were its goals? What were its successes and failures?
Strategic Bombing was a military strategy used in a WWII where the Allies bombed the Japanese for days on end with the goal of weakening their defenses and bringing them to a surrender. Dropping bombs that target key political and industrial centers. "strategic bombing proved in the end to be inadequate in its own terms for carrying out its principle assignments and was morally compromised by deliberate escalation against civilian populations."
What was The Long Telegram and who wrote it?
The 'Long Telegram' was sent by George Kennan from the United States Embassy in Moscow to Washington, where it was received on February 22nd 1946. The telegram was prompted by US enquiries about Soviet behaviour, especially with regards to their refusal to join the newly created World Bank and International Monetary Fund. In his text, Kennan outlined Soviet belief and practice and proposed the policy of 'containment', making the Telegram a key document in the history of the Cold War. The name 'long' derives from the telegram's 8000 word length. Ex: Containment was first outlined in George Kennan's 'Long Telegram' sent from his position in the US Embassy in Moscow to the United States.
Why did the Allies decide to bomb Germany? How effective were their efforts?
The Allies decided to bomb Germany with the hopes that destroying Germany's industrial and resource yards would cripple Germany into surrendering, but the bombings were controversial in terms of their effectiveness. In the case of Dresden, in four raids, altogether 3,600 planes, of which 1,300 were heavy bombers, dropped as many as 650,000 incendiaries, together with 8,000 lb. high-explosive bombs and hundreds of 4,000-pounders.[1] In all more than 3,900 tons of high-explosive bombs and incendiary devices were dropped on the city, the Baroque capital of the German state of Saxony. The resulting firestorm destroyed 15 square miles (39 square kilometres) of the city centre.[2]
One of the historians in the documentary about the bombing of Germany said: "I see this idea of killing civilians and targeting civilians as being unethical-thought the most unethical act in World War II for the Allies would have been allowing themselves to lose." What did he mean by that and do you agree or disagree?
The Historian is saying that, yes the idea of targeting and killing civilians was unethical and horrible, but the idea of Allies actually losing WWII is far worse than the idea of targeting and killing civilians. To an extent I agree with this Historian, this is total war, things get out of control. And it sucks to say this but its better them than us.
When and why did the Korean War start?
The Korean war starts when Kim Il-Sung decides to invade South Korea after he and Stalin listen to a speech that the US doesn't really care about what happens in Korea. With the approval of Stalin he invades South Korea. The Korean War never really ends, still going on today as a stalemate.
What was the "New Deal"?
The New Deal comes from a speech where FDR says," America needs a new deal."
How successful were New Deal programs in meeting the challenges of the Great Depression?
The New Deal programs were very successful in putting people to work and stimulating the economy. Roosevelt steered America along a safe path when economic spirits were at an all-time low. No evaluation of the New Deal is complete without an analysis of Roosevelt himself. As a leader, his skills were unparalleled. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and FDR responded with a bold program of experimentation that arguably saved the capitalist system and perhaps the American democracy.
What factors contributed to the Japanese decision to attack Pearl Harbor? When did the attack take place? When did the Japanese attack the Philippines?
The Pearl Harbor attack took place on December 7, 1941. Factors that contributed to the Japanese decision to attack Pearl Harbor was the plan to 'DELAY' the american naval fleet by taking them out. The Pearl Harbor attack was set to happen in waves: Oil Storage/Dry Docks/Warehouse. Only the first two waves are done - first mistake for japan. - December 8, 1941, Bataan Death March American troops led by General MacArthur were sent over to defend the Philippines against the Japanese invaders. They had some initial success, but they ran short on food supplies and gave in to the Japanese. MacArthur and his troops marched 80 miles up to a Japanese prison camp. Nearly 10,000 died on the trek up the peninsula. The Japanese treated the Americans with vicious cruelty. MacArthur vowed that he "shall return" after he was ordered to leave.
What factors explain why the Japanese finally made the decision to surrender?
The Second drop of the A-Bomb in the city of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. During a meeting with the Japanese leaders about the first atomic bomb the second was dropped. That when Hirohito decided to surrender.
What was the Sunbelt?
The Sunbelt is the southern half of the US where there was a population shift during war time, all in efforts to support The sunbelt states included from Florida to California...warmer climates, lower taxes, and economic opportunities prompted families uprooted by the war to move to these areas.
What happened at Hiroshima and when did it happen?
The first A-Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945
What were "The Hundred Days" and what happened during them?
The first hundred days refers to FDR's first hundred days of presidency. Where so many measures were passed during the 100 days, measures most commonly referred to as Alphabet Soup.
What was the purpose of the Doolittle Raid?
The first raid conducted by the U.S against Tokyo in April 1942. It was commanded by James Doolittle and involved the use of light bombers flying off the deck of an aircraft carrier in the north pacific. It caused little damage but lifted the spirits of the Americans. All or the pilots made it to safety in China or Soviet Union.
What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?
The purpose of the Marshall plan (Europe Recover Plan) was to bring Europe back to there feet after the devastation of WWII. USA helped rebuild Europe by giving them money. This would increase foreign trade and prevent communism.
What does the word "Blitzkrieg" mean?
They used a military tactic call Blitzkrieg or Lighting War: A military strategy involving fast-moving airplanes and tanks, followed by massive infantry forces, to take the enemy by surprise. Then blitzkrieg forces would crush the opposition with overwhelming force
What was the Cold War?
This period of time after World War II, where the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers and faced off in an arms race that lasted nearly 50 years. They did NOT go to war!
What was Island Hopping?
This was a strategy used by the Americans to defeat Japan in the Pacific. It involved jumping from island to island in order to advance across the Pacific in many cases by passing many strongly fortified Japanese possessions. Take back islands seized by Japan to starve supplies.
What did the Bonus Army do and what did its members want?
Thousands of WWI veterans, who insisted on immediate payment of their bonus certificates, they marched on Washington in 1932, violence ensured when President Hoover ordered their ten villages cleared, forced out by the army led by MacArthur. He sent Army troops to remove the so-called Bonus Army of unemployed World War I veterans from Washington, D.C., in 1932. The incident was a public relations disaster for MacArthur and the military.
Why was the Battle of Midway so important?
Turning point of the war in the pacific. It occurred in June 1942 with the Japanese attempting to take over midway Island from the Americans. The Japanese lost four aircraft carriers in this battle and placed them on the defensive for the remainder of the war.
When was V-E Day?
V-E Day was victory over Europe day which was on May 8, 1945
When was V-J Day?
Victory over Japan Day August 15, 1915
What factors when into the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japanese cities?
We dropped the A-Bomb on Japanese city's because we were fighting them simple as that and we thought this would end the war between US and Japan. And we had just finished the development of the bomb and had already tested it in Arizona.
When and why did World War II start in Europe?
World War II (September 1, 1939 - September 2, 1945) began when Germany launched a surprise attack against Poland to regain the Polish Corridor; this caused Britain and France to declare war on Germany. Hitler made a treaty with Russia to attack Poland from both sides. They used a military tactic call Blitzkrieg or Lighting War: A military strategy involving fast-moving airplanes and tanks, followed by massive infantry forces, to take the enemy by surprise. Then blitzkrieg forces would crush the opposition with overwhelming force
How did World War II affect American women? African Americans? Mexican Americans?
World war 2 greatly affected American women, African Americans, and Mexican Americans in terms of work force. Women took charge during war time production while the men were off at war. Rosie the Riveter a model dressed in overalls who became the cover girl for the intense publicity campaign that was launched by the government to draw women into traditional male jobs. Executive Order 8802 1941; FDR passed it which prohibited discriminatory employment practices by fed agencies and all unions and companies engaged in war related work, benefiting African Americans and Mexican Americans.
What was the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere?
area that Japan wanted to conquer and control in Asia, counteracted US Open Door policy with China, neither prepared to compromise.
What did the Civilian Conservation Corps do?
brought young city men to the countryside, employed about 3 million men (between 18-25) to work on projects that benefited the public, planting trees to reforest areas, building levees for flood control, and improving national parks, etc. Most pop form of legislation. Men only keep 20-25% of $, rest sent back to family. Gave the men food, shelter, and discipline.
What was the Nye Commission and what did it conclude?
formed to investigate whether or not munitions manufacturers and bankers were pro-war in WWI soley to make profit; increased anti-war atmosphere and push to pass Neutrality Acts.
What was included in the Social Security Act of 1935?
guaranteed retirement payments for enrolled workers beginning at age 65; set up federal-state system of unemployment insurance and care for dependent mothers and children, the handicapped, and public health. Payments to retirees were financed by a payroll tax on current workers' wages, half directly as a payroll tax and half paid by the employer.
What were the Neutrality Acts?
prohibited sale of arms to belligerents in a war; banned loans to belligerents; citizens cannot travel to countries at war or travel on armed ships; passed to prevent American involvement in future overseas wars
How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany? When did Adolph Hitler come to power?
they lost territory, were ordered to pay reparations and had to accept sole responsibility for the start of the war. Although the Reparations crippled Germany, not only economically but resulting in social uprisings, its terms brought poverty and animosity to Germans who became united in return, having the same nationalistic consecration of rebuilding Germany as a major power once again After months of negotiations, the president of Germany, Paul von Hindenburg, will appoint Hitler chancellor of Germany in a government seemingly dominated by conservatives on January 30, 1933.
What was the Roosevelt Recession?
this crisis was due to the fact that FDR decided to pull back on government spending; as a result of this recession, he initiated an increase in spending on public works & other programs, marginally increasing employment/investment. Unemployment shoots up to 19%, but reverts back to the programs.
Who was Mao Zedong?
this man became the leader of the chinese communist party and remained its leader until his death. he declared the founding of the people's republic of china in 1949 and supported the chinese peasantry throughout his life.
What was National Socialism?
took inspiration from Italian fascism; traditionalist and anti-modernizing; liberal. led by Adolf Hitler; won the competition to replace the Weimar Republic. Also know as Nazism. the political doctrine of the Nazi Party of Germany.
What happened at the Battle of the Coral Sea?
when Japanese and Americans first met in battle together; location was a body of water off the northeast coast of Australia; Allied vessels tried to block the Japanese attack on Port Moresby, and the Japanese advance was stopped, although this hurt the Am.'s more than the Jap's.