Final Essay for World War II

Directions: Select  and answer one of the questions listen below. You may use your text, notes, or internet sources, but if you do, provide the appropriate endnotes or footnotes citations to document your sources. Please turn in your essay on or before May 14, 2010.         

1. The use of atomic weapons to end the war in the Pacific has led to debates among historians ever since that fateful decision.  What interpretations have historians developed in order to explain Truman’s position? Was the use of atomic weapons justified to force Japan to end the war? What options did Harry Truman have in 1945? Explain.

2. Douglas MacArthur was one of the American heroes that emerged from the war. Were all the accolades that he received deserved, especially in light of the situation in the Philippines? What was his record in the PI before he was ordered to leave?

3. Roosevelt and the American military adopted a Germany First strategy; however, the Americans sought to close with the Germans as soon as possible. But was that practical? What were the obstacles that the Americans faced in order to engage the Wehrmacht? Why was Churchill so opposed to American plans to engaged the Germans as soon as possible? What did Churchill propose? What was the American response and the final plans for the Mediterranean that shaped the course of the war?

4. For pundits looking at the situation unfold in 1942, it is possible to assume that the Axis had a grand plan in order to win the war. Why would anyone believe that? Yet perceptions were reality, why was the situation so bleak for the Allies at that time?

5. Studs Terkel claims that World War II was not the "Good War" as many claim. Why? What was happening on the American home front that raises questions about ideals of the war?

6. It is very difficult to imagine that the Americans could have landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944, without the efforts made by the Red Army. Why were the Germans defeated at Stalingrad? At what was the cost for both the Germans and the Russians? What did this single victory  mean for the Soviets and the course of the war in Europe?

7. It is often said that intelligence can win a war even before the first shot is fired. How did the Allies use intelligence and counterintelligence during war? How did GARBO and BODYGUARD contribute to the Allied victory? Explain.

8. One of the major arguments during World War II was that the Americans could have reached Berlin before the Russians. That was not really possible in the spring of 1945; however, it could have happened. Develop a scenario that could have had Americans to Berlin before the Soviets.

9. One of the forgotten aspects of World War II involved African Americans. What role did African Americans play in the American wars? What did they have to overcome in World War II?