WW2 Pt. 2 Flashcards
(7 cards)
US role before we join:
Isolationism
Lend-Lease
Before joining World War II, the United States played a significant role by supplying the Allied nations with vital resources and materials, while maintaining an official stance of neutrality. This period, often referred to as the “Arsenal of Democracy,” saw the U.S. becoming a key supplier of goods and assistance to Britain, France, and other Allied countries.
During the buildup to World War II, American isolationism was a significant factor in US foreign policy. Many Americans, influenced by the Great Depression and the memory of World War I, believed the US should avoid becoming entangled in European conflicts. Isolationists advocated for a strong national defense and non-intervention in foreign wars, arguing that the US should focus on its own interests and avoid becoming involved in European disputes.
The Lend-Lease Act was a policy enacted by the United States in 1941 to aid its World War II allies without formally entering the war. It allowed the U.S. to sell, lease, or transfer military equipment to nations deemed vital to the defense of the United States. In exchange, the Allies often provided long-term leases for military bases in their territories and promised future payments.
Pearl Harbor:
Pearl Harbor was a surprise military attack by Japan on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The attack led to the US entering World War II.
Americans Industry:
Liberty Ships
During World War II, American industry underwent a massive transformation, shifting from peacetime production to wartime needs. This involved a significant increase in manufacturing capacity, leading to the production of vast quantities of military equipment and supplies, not only for the United States but also for its allies. The war effort spurred economic growth, created millions of jobs, and solidified the United States as a global industrial power.
During World War II, Liberty ships were a crucial part of the Allied war effort, playing a vital role in transporting troops, tanks, ammunition, and other supplies across the Atlantic to Europe and other theaters of war. These mass-produced cargo ships were designed for speed and simplicity, allowing for quick construction and efficient transport of cargo.
Double V Campaign
Tuskegee Airmen
The Double V Campaign, a slogan promoted by the Pittsburgh Courier, was a movement during World War II that aimed to achieve “Victory at Home and Victory Abroad”. This meant fighting for equality for Black Americans in the United States (Victory at Home) while also fighting against fascism overseas (Victory Abroad).
The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. They faced significant discrimination and were initially trained in separate facilities at Tuskegee, Alabama. Despite facing these obstacles, the Tuskegee Airmen achieved considerable success, becoming highly skilled fighter pilots and escorts for Allied bombers.
WAC:
The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was a U.S. Army unit formed during World War II to enable women to serve in non-combat roles. Nearly 150,000 women served in the WAC, filling essential support positions both in the United States and overseas. These women contributed significantly to the war effort by freeing up men for combat duties.
The 5 different fronts:
- Eastern Front
- Western Front
- Mediterranian Front
- Pacific Theatre
- African Theatre
Atomic Bomb:
The United States dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, ending World War II. The bombings, part of the Manhattan Project, involved the use of the “Little Boy” bomb on Hiroshima and the “Fat Man” bomb on Nagasaki, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 210,000 people and a significant loss of life from the bombings.
