analysis of World War II
Introduction
World War II, also known as the Second war, involved a global conflict between the powerful allies in the years between 1939 and 1945. This essay will discuss the American’s attitude towards entry in the war, the relationship between Japan and the United States, the reasons for US entry into the war the reasons for the end of the war.
World War II started in Europe in 1939. The United States remained officially neutral for more than two years in the conflict. The Americans debated whether they remain out of war or join the Allied forces fighting Nazi Germany. Despite Roosevelt asking the Americans to stay neutral in the war just like Wilson had done in 1914, he never told them to remain neutral in thought. Most Americans had little sympathy for Nazi Germany despite them wanting to stay out of the war. However, a change in the policy of the Neutral Act occurred in 1939 revealed the American’s attitude. The policy revoked the 1935 arms embargo on belligerents and offered the export of military equipment on a cash-and-carry basis. This followed after the fascist leaders arose in Europe, threatening American neutrality in the nineteen-thirties.
The relationship between Japan and the United States had increasingly grown worse during the 1930s. The two nations had important industrial powers though they had distinguishing ideas about the political and economic future of East Asia, especially China. Japan had little contact with the western world but yet a nation with ancient political traditions. In the 1920s and 1930s, Japan was a strong country but had no oil, rubber, and its natural resources. Hence the Japanese political leaders envied the French, British and Dutch colonies in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. The Japanese desire to gain natural resources and have manufactured products created a direct conflict with the American’s plans for Asia. Washington had an “Open Door Policy” towards China, which aimed at keeping Japan or any other nation out of control of China’s natural resources. As a result, there was competition while the two nations were trying to compete over the same resources in the Asian markets.
President Franklin signed a declaration of war against Japan in 1941. This brought the United States officially into World War II. This was due to some of the various reasons. One is the attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor as they campaigned for the territories of natural resources from the US. Second, the Japanese took control of China and the surrounding areas where the United States suffered an economic meltdown that led to the Great Depression. Third, the Germans resumed unrestricted submarine warfare and started attacking the merchant ships and US ships despite their controversial relationships. Lastly, the fear of Germany supremacy made the Americans join in World war II. This was after the increased tension from Germany, crumbling German economy, and increased German aggression.
The release of two atomic bombs on Japan in August 1945 aided in the ending of World War II but brought in The Cold War. This was conflict lasted more than half a century between the United States and the Soviet Union. The United States used these two powerful bombs that led to high casualties and highly praised by the public. This led to the surrender of Germany and Japanese nations. The weapons weakened the economy of Germany, and the US took control.
Conclusion
From the above discussions, it is clear the United States was neutral regarding entry to World War II. It is also clear that Japan and the United States had a rough relationship due to competition of natural resources. Also, invasion by Japanese and German supremacy mainly made the US enter into World War II. However, two atomic bombs on Japanese soil led to the end of the war in 1945 but brought in The Cold War.