Why and How the U.S. Got into the War - Assignment Example

World Wars Discuss the causes of the First World War, why and how the U.S. got into the war, the general course of the war, and the wars impact on the U.S. at home and on U.S. foreign policy. There are a number of reasons that led to the First World War. These reasons are associated with major political events that took place across the globe. To start with, Imperialism is a major cause of World War 1. This is a situation whereby a country attempts to increase its wealth and power by taking control of additional territories. Just before the War, most parts of Asia and Africa were majorly under control of the European nations. Thus, the competition for greater empires resulted to confrontations that stimulated the world into war. Militarism also contributed to the First World War. In the year 1914, countries such as Germany and Great Britain increased their forces, especially the navies. Thus, with time the establishment of the military became influential on the public and the entire public policies. Therefore, an increase in militarism assisted in pushing the nations into the world war. Mutual alliances for defense or rather defense agreements among countries in Europe were key causes of the World War 1. Whenever a nation was attacked, allied countries moved in to defend them. For instance, Australia and Hungary declared a war on the Serbia nation when Russia decided to defend Serbia. On seeing that, Germany declared against Russia and France mobilized its forces against Germany, Australia and Hungary. Later, Japan, United States and Italy entered the war. America initially played a neutral nation until the death of Archduke of Australia-Hungary. This murder gave rise to the most destructive war in history. In addition, trade with the most super power nations by then was cut by greater percentages. This prompted the German navy to attack America from the sea. After about two years of attack, America decided to join the Great War. The war impacted on US economy negatively since all its connections in terms of trade were cut completely. 2. Discuss the causes of the Second World War, why and how the U.S. got into the war, the general course of the war, and the wars impact on the U.S. at home and on U.S. foreign policy The Second World War was caused by a number of factors; both short term and long term. To start with, the Treaty of Versailles angered the Weimar Germany thus stimulating conflicts across the German nation. Secondly, the League of Nations’ inability to deal with major global issues was major cause of the war. Thus, the League failed to control the power of nations which were against the International Law. America fully got involved in the Second World War in the year 1939 after the Pearl Harbor’s attack. This followed the announcement by Frankline Roosevelt that United States would no longer engage in trade with Japan. In the year 1941, United States froze all the assets that belonged to Japan. Thus, the Japanese attacked and killed more than two thousand Americans. America entered into the war officially, fighting on two fronts; Pacific and Europe. 3. Discuss the reasons for the economic prosperity of the 1920s and the causes of the Great Depression and why it was so severe. 4. Discuss how Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt reacted to the Great Depression and how their policies still affect America The great depression had monumental effect on America as a country. In addition, the effects of this great depression are still felt on the American society today. President franklin Roosevelt pioneered the enforcement of federal laws in helping those in need, his he created a new perception in presidency, since president were now supposed to be peoples’ activists. Various prominent figures had varied responses to the great depression. Firstly president Hoover declined to support government intervention on behalf of its citizens. He argued that direct government involvement in running the American economic activities would weaken the moral fiber of the American people. He also believed that it was necessary for the government to develop measures that would cut its spending during periods of economic frustration. Hoover has however forced by the congress to intervene in the prevailing economic state which he reluctantly accepted. He was rather concern about unbalancing the drafted federal budget. He believed returning prosperity which would boost the living standards of the people primarily depend on stabilization of the business community. In addition, another prominent political figure named Roosevelt remains on the campaign trail promising that his government would work towards eradication of Depression. He wholly supported and implemented ideas advanced by his advisors and the congress toward ending Depression. Eradication of Depression was approached at a frantic pace within the first months of his administration. Historians tend to highly credit Roosevelt’s efforts in trying to strengthen the economy or rather reform the economy. Analysis of the politics of the New Deal is attributed to the efforts of Depression fighting. The New Deal was focused towards the achievement of capitalism and saving the American society’s Great Depression. The implementation of the ideologies of the New Deal advanced by the Roosevelt and Hoover have plays a significant role in policy formulation in relation to economic issues. 5. Discuss the origins of the Cold War, discuss the foreign and domestic problems President Truman faced as a result of the Cold War, and discuss how President Truman dealt with those problems The origin of the cold war was wholly attributed to lie most directly in the interactive relations between the Soviet Union and the allies. The allies include: the United States, Great Britain and France. The cold war however lasted for a half a century. The Soviet Union became tense after the activities that preceded the activities of the World War II. These events also brought tension to the western European countries and the United States of America thus resulting in cold war. Harry S. Truman’s exit from presidency and politics in general was most unpopular exit in the United States. This effect was brought about by the accusations that emanated during his reign. The Korean War, corruption allegations, the anticommunist red-baiting of McCarthy and his allies are some of the factors that contributed to Truman’s unceremonious exit from the political arena. President Truman was faced with allegations that total stained his public image. However, he managed to exit from this harsh judgment by declining to run for presidency in the next election. This decision was arrived at after being turned down by most of his political allies. Truman strived to recruit his own political allies behind the scenes but when they turned against him he decides to quit the presidential race. Read More