World War II through the 1970s

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to enlighten and explore the scenario of World War II and its influence throughout 1970s. The core objective of the paper is to discover different incidents and their impacts that are associated with World War II. Nonetheless, the paper also enlightens political, economic, social and cultural consequences that are associated with World War II. In addition, the paper also enlightens post-war incidents that were associated with civil rights and the programs initiated by President Johnson under the conception of Great Society.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Two Major Historical Turning Points4

Great Britain and France Declare War4

Pearl Harbor5

Impact on America's Current Society, Economy, Politics and Culture5

Two Reasons for Americans to Stay out of the European Conflict6

Role of Women in World War II7

Civil Rights Breakthroughs after World War II8

Vietnam War brought Political Awareness to a New Generation9

President Johnson's “Great Society” Agenda9

Conclusion10

References11

World War II through the 1970s

Introduction

World War II was a military conflict from 1939 to 1945 that resulted killing of 62 million people on the battlefield, in massive bombings of civilians in cities, and by genocide. There were two hostile camps; the Axis Powers of Germany, Italy, Japan, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, Slovakia, Finland (cobelligerent), Thailand, and others; and the Allied Powers of the British Empire and common wealth. The global reach of the empires of France, Italy, and Britain meant that non-European areas became directly involved with battles fought in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Organized civilian resistance movements in occupied countries (notably Yugoslavia, France, and Greece) made important contributions to the war effort. World War II significantly affected the economic conditions of several nations; according to different studies, World War II caused $1 trillion economic downfall in 1945 (approximately $10.5 trillion in 2005 terms).

Two Major Historical Turning Points

Great Britain and France Declare War

One of the two major turning points of World War II is the moment Great Britain and France declared war against Germany as retaliation to the Hitler's invasion to Poland. According to different sources, this attack was one of the core battle strategy Hitler adapted to conquer the world. The moment Great Britain and France declared war against Germany, Hitler was surprised as he did not expect certain initiative from these nations. According to the battle strategy of Hitler, the first conquest was to be Poland and then he was supposed to attack Russia. Nonetheless, this strategy was diverted as the nations declared war against Germany; hence, it is the major turning point acknowledged during the era of World War II (Brien, Parsons, 1995, 89-95).

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is also one of the major turning points acknowledged during the era of World War II. This incident forced the United States to participate in the war. Prior to the incident of Pearl Harbor, the United States was reluctant to participate in World War II. In 1941, Hitler's strategy weakened as his conquest was hindered at Moscow; meanwhile, Japanese attack was acknowledged at Pearl Harbor which cost many lives to the United States ...