The fifth unit of American History 2 examines World War II through the lenses of

Foreign Policy, War, and Change.

U.S. Foreign Policy 1920-1940
World War I left Europe in economic turmoil. The Great Depression further
complicated the situation. Desperate to seek an end to economic troubles,
European citizens looked for new leaders to bring about change. For some countries,
new leadership would come in the form of dictators who promised to usher in a new
age of prosperity and power.
After World War I, the United States moved to a policy of isolationism. Though there
was economic growth in the 1920s, the United States faced its worst economic crisis
in the 1930s. The importation of foreign goods was limited by tariffs as a measure
to boost the economy, which furthered the economic crisis in Europe.
The authoritarian leaders of Germany, Italy, and Japan used the weak economies of
Europe to gain territory. Still trying to recover from the damage of World War I, and
dealing with weakening economies, European nations used appeasement to deal
with the aggressive actions of Germany and Italy. Unfortunately, war was inevitable.
At the start of World War II, the United States continued its isolationist policies. As
the war waged on, it became clear that United States allies needed assistance. Still
sticking with a neutral stance, the United States developed a lend-lease policy to
provide the Allied Powers with weapons and other supplies.
U.S. Involvement in World War II
The United States adherence to neutrality would end when Japan attacked Pearl
Harbor on December 7, 1941. This action brought the United States into a war that
it desperately tried to avoid. This attack would permanently change the role the
United States would play in international affairs.
Americans quickly strapped on their patriotic boots in support of the war effort. Men
from all racial/ethnic backgrounds enlisted to fight on the front and made significant
contributions to the success of the Allied forces. Production of non-essential war
products was halted and food and supplies were rationed in order to ensure troops
had necessary supplies. Women took on nontraditional work roles and volunteered
for non-combat positions in the military.
Even though Americans were united in their efforts to fight the Axis Powers, they
were not united regarding rights and equality. African Americans moved to the
Midwest for better jobs. Their arrival in already crowded cities led to increased racial
tensions and discrimination. Mexican Americans faced similar problems in California.
Due to the fear that Japanese Americans might be working for the enemy, they were
sent to live on internment camps.
Ending World War II
As the Axis Power began to weaken in Europe, the leaders of Great Britain, the
Soviet Union, and the United States met in Yalta, Crimea in the early part of 1945 to

discuss how to rebuild post-war Europe and administer Germany. Once the war in
Europe had ended, the United States was able to focus on ending the war in the
Pacific. The sudden death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt left new President Harry
Truman in charge of ending the war with Japan and bringing the troops home.
Another meeting between the leaders of Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and the
United States was held in the summer of 1945 in Potsdam, Germany. The continued
discussion of war reparations, land settlements, and land governing magnified the
already tense relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.
With his sights set on ending the war with Japan as quickly as possible, President
Truman made the decision to utilize a new weapon: the atomic bomb. Though
President Truman felt confident in making this decision, citing it would prevent over
a million Allied casualties, it was a controversial decision at the time and is still
debated today. Regardless of the controversy, the use of the atomic bombs on
Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought World War II to an end.