World War II Essay

The Second World War: A Catalyst for National Unity

With more than 60 million fatalities and casualties, World War II ranks among the bloodiest conflicts in human history. More than 30 nations actively took part in the conflict by devoting all of their financial and manufacturing resources to it. In response to Japan's attack, which saw it seize control of U.S.A.-controlled territory in the Pacific, the United States entered the conflict in 1942. However, the war came to an end in 1945 when Japan was forced to submit after the United States Forces launched atomic bombs on the provinces of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Additionally, the Soviet Union invaded the Japanese Empire's lands and forced the troops to submit. The Soviet Union and the United States emerged as the two Superpowers. The Second World War was a “good war” that generated national unity in the United States and enhanced freedom.

The Cold War: Promoting Unity

Cold War is among the events considered to have promoted unity within the United States in the early years. Cold War was a product of World War II when both the U.S. and the Soviet Union rose as two Superpowers that demanded dominance. The Americans realized that to win the battle they had to remain united as one nation and jointly combine their forces towards defeating the Soviet Union. By this time, the U.S. was still experiencing civil wars within its territory. The Cold War ended the civil wrangles as the Americans from different states came together to fight a common enemy. The war took more than 45 years, but at the end, individuals had freedoms and were united against the common enemy.

Mobilization for Unity

A Democratic politician, John Burton, was in Francisco when he said that he could remember parents bringing their efforts together to aid the military which had taken liberty at Ojai Valley Country Club to train new recruits. He says that the Japanese were already matching towards Francisco. At this time, every citizen showed a sense of patriotism and supported the government whom they earlier on perceived as the enemy. Historians have documented the mobilization as one of the greatest contributions that led to unity and internationalization of the State of California. The national consensus also motivated the other states to join forces in ensuring that America defended itself against the Japanese. The mobilization formed the background of the current unity and freedom that the American citizens enjoy.

Ending the War on Racism

At the time of World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt was yet to face the biggest opposition from the black race that was being discriminated against in industrial employment opportunities. The then black labor leader, Philip Randolph, was willing to mobilize the black community to rioting against the government. However, the division was not necessary for the country in 1942. It is in this year that Japan forces invaded the U.S. territory. The President, therefore, issued an executive order 8802 that ensured that discrimination in industries was lifted. That marked one way that he used to end the war on racism. Analytically, historians say Mr. Rudolph perfected his timing in advocating for the fights against racism. If it was not for the Second World War that necessitated the unity within the country, high rates of racism and discrimination could have taken a longer time to solve.

The Empowerment of Women

World War II also marked the time when American women chose to showcase their capabilities to serve the nation. The freedom and rights that women enjoy to date mostly emerged from 1946 when the country’s economy was growing at a rapid rate, and because of the increased arms production. Women, therefore, had to prove that they were able to meet the demands as laborers. That was a historic change since before 1945 most of the American women were mostly housewives who only associated themselves with domestic chores. Historians draw a conclusion that women’s freedom marked its greatest turning point when the female population got recognized in the labor force. The women can now have the right to fully own properties and mortgages from the payments they receive out of their jobs.

Economic Growth and Unity

National unity and cohesion are mainly motivated by a stable economy that is highly progressive. The Second World War realized the highest economic growth that the United States has ever experienced. America was able to supply weapons to countries that were rebuilding after massive losses brought by the World War II. The U.S. economic growth facilitated unified prosperity and development across its states.

A Good War Promoting Unity and Freedom

Despite the positive ends of the Second World War, it also had adverse consequences that are devastating to date. The lives lost can never be returned, and property destroyed cannot be retrieve in any easy ways. However, there were benefits that the war brought to the country as a whole, and also to some particular group of Americans. For instance, the U.S. realized more economic stability, and that is what strengthened their capabilities to win the Cold War against the Soviet Union. Therefore, the Second World War was a good war that promoted national unity in the United States and enhanced individuals’ freedom in the country.

Bibliography

Dikotter, Frank. “Race culture: recent perspectives on the history of eugenics.” American Historical Review 103.2 (1948): 467-478.

Ohanian, Lee E. “The macroeconomic effects of war finance in the United States: World War II and the Korean War.” The American Economic Review (1956): 23-40.