LMC Research Notes
World War II
Reasons for involvement
-Bombing of pearl harbor made Americans directly involved in the war.
-Americans were obligated to assist allies
-Hitler and the Holocaust
Political leadership during the war
-President Roosevelt was supportive of indirectly assisting allies
-Roosevelt made the decision to get involved in the war after the bombing at Pearl Harbor
Perception of threat (by US public) for domestic security
-After the bombing at Pearl Harbor, people became concerned that the enemy would attack other locations within the United States.
Means used to raise an army
-Advertisement: Media (Persuasive Posters)
-Masculine Strength was a common visual theme
-Issued a draft
Domestic opinion regarding the war effort
-Before Pearl Harbor: Many did not want to be involved at all with the war
-After Pearl Harbor: Wanted to defend our nation, as it had become directly involved in the war.
Treatment of returning veterans
-Parades were held to celebrate their return.
Korean War
Reasons for involvement
-The United States wanted to stop and contain the spread of Communism throughout all areas of the world.
Political leadership during the war
-President Truman allowed Gen. MacAurthur to become involved in the war.
- Truman also gave the word to take troops out of Korea when the wound down.
Perception of threat (by US public) for domestic security
-The public was not personally afraid for their safety, but of Communism.
Means used to raise an army
-Draft
Domestic opinions regarding the war effort
-Many believed that the United States became involved because its honor and credibility were at stake.
-Revolutionists thought that the conflict was a Civil War, and that other countries should stay out of another country’s internal affairs.
Vietnam
Reasons for involvement
-The United States was afraid that if Communism spread to Southeast Asia, it would spread to other parts of the country as well.
-The United States became involved in the war to help the French contain Communism, and drive it out of Southeast Asia.
Political leadership during the war
-President Johnson didn’t entirely want to be involved in the war, but he thought that it was worth it to help stop the spread of Communism.
Perception of threat (by US public) for domestic security
-The public was only threatened by the idea of Communism, and not afraid for their security.
Means to raise an army
-Draft issued
Domestic opinion regarding the war effort
-Some believed that getting involved was a good idea because we were trying to stop Communism and preserve democracy.
-Some objected, and thought that Americans had no place in this conflict.
Treatment of returning veterans
-The United states Government paid veterans.
Conclusions
It seems as though Americans did not want to become involved during World War II until the bombing of their own territory, Pearl Harbor. But, they were much quicker to become involved in both the Korean and the Vietnam Wars because they had to do with the spread of Communism throughout many areas of Asia. It seems that until America’s feathers get ruffled, it will not take much, or any action at all. When America suddenly became threatened by the surprise bombing of Pearl Harbor, and by the threat that Communism may become a widespread for of government, Americans decided to step in. But it was only until these things had occurred or realized that we decided to get ourselves involved in conflict.