Medgar Evers College History World War II Discussion Questions
President Herbert Hoover is largely blamed for causing the Great Depression. While not totally accurate, he can be blamed for the making the situation worse. What major issues showed Hoover’s lack of understanding on how to handle the crisis? How did his policies or inactivity make the deteriorating situation worse? What situation with the WWI Veterans show his lack of regard for humanity and likely seal his doom as president? Explain completely2. In the 1920s, many political and social leaders in the United States including former president Theodore Roosevelt and Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes began supporting the controversial program of “Eugenics.” What was this program and how was it implemented. Who is Cary Burke and how did her story become a central theme in this issue. Why did the Nazis use this as a focal point for their defense during the 1947 Nuremberg Trials?3. Who was Dr. Hjalmar Schachtand how was he vital to Germany’s economic resurgence during the 1930s? What policies did he implement that are considered similar to President Roosevelt’s? What was the main project implemented by Germany in the early 1930s and how did it help restart the economy? Furthermore, how did the Germans deal with unions and social dissent? How was this helpful in decreasing unemployment and foster happiness among workers? How did his resignation in1937 change Germany’s economic focus and move the countrytoward war?4. According to the National Holocaust Museum, prior to the Nazi regime, Jews in Germany and Europe lived under relative calm and peace. However, once the Nazis took power, the situation changed dramatically. What measures did Hitler enact in 1935 and expand in 1937? What role did the resignation of Dr. Schacht play a role in this process? What was Hitler’s “Final Solution” enacted in 1942? 5. In 1936, Ohio State University track athlete Jesse Owens won four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics and was hailed as an American hero. In 1938, American boxer Joe Louis knocked out German Max Schemling in the first round at New York’s Yankee Stadium. Louis’ victory had avenged a loss to Schmeling two years earlier also at Yankee Stadium. The two sporting accomplishments set off wild celebrations in the United States for the two African American heroes. What does this say about the social and racial changes that occurred in the nation during the 1930s? Why were Blacks in this country so excited about their accomplishments? What did it potentially mean for Blacks? Was this a long lasting sentiment?6. Among the many the adjectives used to describe Adolf Hitler, “murderer, bully, liar,” gangster is certainly among the most appropriate. After annexing the Sudetenland, he forced Austrian and Czechoslovakian presidentsKarl Shuschnigg and Dr. Emil Hacha to sign over control of their countries to Germany. Describe the ordeal of both men as discussed in class. How were these events later reported to the world in press releases?7. After Hitler had colonized Austria and Czechoslovakia, British Ambassador Sir Neville Hendersonoffered Hitler African colonies if he ceased his colonial aspirations in Europe. This move only seemed to encourage Hitler. Why do you think the German leader felt “empowered” by the Allies lack of “nerve” to stop him?Why do you think he rejected the offer of England’s African colonies? What might that say about the value of life in Africa? Explain completely.8. Beginning in April of 1938, United States President Franklin Roosevelt wrote a series of telegrams to Adolf Hitler requesting that the German Chancellor cease hiscolonial actions in Europe for further negotiation. On April 15,1939 at a speech to the German Reichstag, Hitler responded to Roosevelt’s telegrams, “the freedom of North America was not achieved at the conference table any more than the North and South was decided there. I will say nothing of the subjugation of the North American continent as a whole.” Hitler finished his remarks with, “conditions prevailing in your country are on such a large scale that you can find time and leisure to give your attention to universal problems?”Analyzing this exchange from a critical perspective, what conclusions can be drawn from these remarks?9. On June 22, 1940, France signed surrender terms with Germany who occupied the nation until 1944. Almost immediately, Japan began to seize some of the mineral rich French colonies in Indochina. This action prompted a strong rebuke from the United States who froze Japanese assets in American banks while placing an embargo on the sale of oil, steel and iron to the island nation. Interestingly, the United States didn’t place any severe sanctions on Japan for its occupation of Manchuria in 1931 nor its brutal rape of Nanking in 1937 where more than 400,000 Chinese citizens where murdered and 80,000 women raped. How did this set of circumstances in Indochina lead the United States on the road to World War II?10. According to written documents, what was the feeling of most Germans toward entering the war in 1939? What initial response did German General Heinz Guderian give towards mobilizing for war in 1939? However, after a quick succession of victories, how did the nations’ feelings change toward Hitler’s military moves? What was the feelings toward “Operation Barbarossa?”11. Why was German Chancellor Adolf Hitler so angry with the Japanese for attacking Pearl Harbor and bringing the Americans into the war? What reasoning did the Japanese have for going to war with the United States. Furthermore, why did the Japanese feel slighted by Western powers? What was their solution to solve their dependence on Western resources?12. What were some of the critical errors made by Hitler and other German leaders at Dunkirk, Stalingrad and Normandy Beach? How did these decisions alter the course of the war leading to Germany's ultimate fall? How can it also be argued that the Russian Army was the true winner against Germany in WWII? Explain completely.13.Who were Doris Miller and Wendell O. Pruitt? Why were their actions considered heroic and extraordinary while directly contradicting the 1925 American War College Study regarding Black soldiers which said they were, “mentally inferior and cowardly in the face of combat?” What program for Black soldiers did first Lady Eleanor Roosevelt help save? What action did she take and why was this significant?14. In the film “Jaws”, supporting character “Quint” (Robert Shaw) describes a harrowing experience on the USS Indianapolis in 1945. What was the mission of that ship and what happened to the boat in this incredible but actual event? Why is this great film making and a powerful history lesson by Steven Speilberg? Answer only one questionWhen new President Franklin Roosevelt launched a flurry of domestic programs he termed “The New Deal,” many criticized his ideas as being too radical or socialist. While many of these programs with alphabet letters (NRA, AAA, CCC, WPA) bloated government and increased the budget deficit ($3.3 billion in 1934). However, these programs did decrease unemployment and many such as social security, unemployment insurance and the banking act (FDIC) remain vital programs today. Another controversial program, the Tennessee Valley Authority, brought cheap electrical power to millions of residents. Many in private business protested these measures and fought vociferously to have many “New Deal” programs ruled unconstitutional. What argument did private business have with Roosevelt’s “New Deal” programs? How did government programs like the TVA disrupt the “free market” economy in the United States?Following the Allies victory in World War II over Germany, Italy and Japan's tyranny, racism and imperialism, France wanted to reestablish it colonies of Indochina. However, many former Asian and African colonies now sought their independence particularly Vietnam under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh. Why do you think the French needed to reestablish its colonies? What does this say about the contradictory intentions of the victorious Allies who allegedly banded together to stop the colonial actions of Germany, Italy and Japan?