1. What is your overall impression of Source 26 (p. 70) and use extracts from the source to support your view. (No fence sitting; you must choose one but not both)
• a reasonable assessment of Stalin’s aims based on the facts
• an overreaction to Stalin’s actions based on fear of and prejudice towards the USSR?
My impression of Source 26 was that the British were very against Stalin and didn't want him to take over the world. They had a reasonable assessment of Stalin's aims based on the facts. They were taking everything very seriously and considered that there is a possibility that he could take over the world and he likely wants to.
2. Source 26 is a British source. Does it seem likely that similar documents were being produced by the American government?
It seems very likely that documents similar to the British Source 26 were being produced by the American government. America was just as involved as the British and largely agreed upon most things, and it is very likely that they also feared that Stalin was a threat to civilization.
3. Study Source 27 (p. 71) and make a list of three different actions that Communists took to achieve power in eastern Europe. AND Explain how each factor helped.
1.) Killed/executed opposing politicians- without competition, they couldn't lose
2.) Take control of all countries that were their enemies in WWII- If they controlled them, they couldn't be opposed by them
3.) Become leader of a country, then make it exclusively communist- Communism was the only option and would last for a while
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
The Potsdam Conference
1. Read Source 17 (p 68). At Yalta, Churchill and Roosevelt had agreed with Stalin that eastern Europe would be a Soviet ‘sphere of influence’. Do you think Source 17 is what they had in mind?
I do not think that Source 17 is what Churchill and Roosevelt had had in mind when they agreed with Stalin that Eastern Europe would be a Soviet "sphere of influence" because Stalin seems to think that he can do whatever he wants if he has the power to.
2. Would they agree with Stalin’s views expressed in Sources 17 and 18? Explain your answer.
They would not agree with Stalin's views because Stalin thinks that he can do anything his army has the power to do and also he didn't help with the formation of the Italian government.
3. Explain how each of the three developments described in the text might affect relationships at Potsdam.
1.) This created tension and made America and Great Britain angry at Stalin for not listening to them and occupying much of Eastern Europe.
2.) Truman was much more anti-Communist than FDR was, so he didn't feel the need to compromise with Stalin as FDR did and was totally against him
3.) America having an atomic bomb allowed them to behave differently because they didn't need Stalin's help and didn't want it anymore, so they didn't have reason to be kind or compromising with him.
I do not think that Source 17 is what Churchill and Roosevelt had had in mind when they agreed with Stalin that Eastern Europe would be a Soviet "sphere of influence" because Stalin seems to think that he can do whatever he wants if he has the power to.
2. Would they agree with Stalin’s views expressed in Sources 17 and 18? Explain your answer.
They would not agree with Stalin's views because Stalin thinks that he can do anything his army has the power to do and also he didn't help with the formation of the Italian government.
3. Explain how each of the three developments described in the text might affect relationships at Potsdam.
1.) This created tension and made America and Great Britain angry at Stalin for not listening to them and occupying much of Eastern Europe.
2.) Truman was much more anti-Communist than FDR was, so he didn't feel the need to compromise with Stalin as FDR did and was totally against him
3.) America having an atomic bomb allowed them to behave differently because they didn't need Stalin's help and didn't want it anymore, so they didn't have reason to be kind or compromising with him.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Origins of the Cold War: Yalta Conference
1. What month and year did the Yalta Conference place?
The Yalta Conference took place in February 1945, from the 4th until the 11th
2. While the conference was taking place who were the Allies (Big Three) still fighting? Be specific.(Consider as well, what hadn't taken place yet that you've already studied.)
At the time of the Yalta Conference, the Big Three Allies were fighting Hitler/Germany/the Nazis as well as the Japanese
3. Why was Roosevelt anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany?
Roosevelt was anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany because he wanted the Soviets' help fighting in Japan and he wanted Stalin's support for The United Nations, a new peace-keeping organization.
4. What decisions did Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin make at the Yalta Conference?
At the Yalta Conference, Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin decided to divide Germany into four separate zones, on each for America, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. Stalin promised free elections and to join the war on Japan, and to attend a conference where the United Nations would form.
The Yalta Conference took place in February 1945, from the 4th until the 11th
2. While the conference was taking place who were the Allies (Big Three) still fighting? Be specific.(Consider as well, what hadn't taken place yet that you've already studied.)
At the time of the Yalta Conference, the Big Three Allies were fighting Hitler/Germany/the Nazis as well as the Japanese
3. Why was Roosevelt anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany?
Roosevelt was anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany because he wanted the Soviets' help fighting in Japan and he wanted Stalin's support for The United Nations, a new peace-keeping organization.
4. What decisions did Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin make at the Yalta Conference?
At the Yalta Conference, Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin decided to divide Germany into four separate zones, on each for America, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. Stalin promised free elections and to join the war on Japan, and to attend a conference where the United Nations would form.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Nuclear Arms Race Since 1945 - part 2
1. Summarize the basic argument for and the basic argument against nuclear weapons.
People who argue for Nuclear weapons argue that they are essential in order to protect the united States from aggression and countries wouldn't want to go to war so much knowing how badly things could end.
People who argue against nuclear weapons argue that they are simply too dangerous and destructive to exist, and that they could end all of humanity. They also argue that human error can cause some really bad accidents.
2. What is the difference between a strategic and a tactical nuclear weapon?
Strategic nuclear weapons are long ranged and can hit a target six thousand miles away. Tactical nuclear weapons are short ranged and can fit inside a backpack, but actually have smaller explosions than some non-nuclear weapons.
3. What is nuclear proliferation?
Nuclear proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons
4. What role has the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty played in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons?
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. It prevents countries that have had nuclear weapons before 1967 from giving away nuclear weapons or technology to states that don't have it, and to reduce their weapon stockpiles. It also made non-nuclear nations agree not to acquire or produce nuclear weapons, but they have the right to obtain knowledge, materials and equipment for peaceful purposes.
5. Explain Secretary of State Rice's high level of concern about the Russian nuclear arsenal. (See her quote on page 16 of your reading.)
Secretary of State Rice was very concerned about the Russian nuclear arsenal. She worried that Russia's economic troubles weakened Moscow's control over it's nuclear program. Russia had tons of nuclear weapons and it was dangerous to have them all.
6. How as the threat of terrorism changed thinking about nuclear weapons?
Dealing with terrorists is much more difficult than dealing with a country, since terrorist organizations are hard to identify and can be mobile. Countries a=have to be careful not to allow terrorists to acquire nuclear weapons, because 9/11 would like like nothing compared to a nuclear attack. Also, deterrence wouldnt apply to terrorists because they dont have to worry about retaliation from who they attack.
People who argue for Nuclear weapons argue that they are essential in order to protect the united States from aggression and countries wouldn't want to go to war so much knowing how badly things could end.
People who argue against nuclear weapons argue that they are simply too dangerous and destructive to exist, and that they could end all of humanity. They also argue that human error can cause some really bad accidents.
2. What is the difference between a strategic and a tactical nuclear weapon?
Strategic nuclear weapons are long ranged and can hit a target six thousand miles away. Tactical nuclear weapons are short ranged and can fit inside a backpack, but actually have smaller explosions than some non-nuclear weapons.
3. What is nuclear proliferation?
Nuclear proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons
4. What role has the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty played in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons?
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. It prevents countries that have had nuclear weapons before 1967 from giving away nuclear weapons or technology to states that don't have it, and to reduce their weapon stockpiles. It also made non-nuclear nations agree not to acquire or produce nuclear weapons, but they have the right to obtain knowledge, materials and equipment for peaceful purposes.
5. Explain Secretary of State Rice's high level of concern about the Russian nuclear arsenal. (See her quote on page 16 of your reading.)
Secretary of State Rice was very concerned about the Russian nuclear arsenal. She worried that Russia's economic troubles weakened Moscow's control over it's nuclear program. Russia had tons of nuclear weapons and it was dangerous to have them all.
6. How as the threat of terrorism changed thinking about nuclear weapons?
Dealing with terrorists is much more difficult than dealing with a country, since terrorist organizations are hard to identify and can be mobile. Countries a=have to be careful not to allow terrorists to acquire nuclear weapons, because 9/11 would like like nothing compared to a nuclear attack. Also, deterrence wouldnt apply to terrorists because they dont have to worry about retaliation from who they attack.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Nuclear Arms Race Since 1945
1. Explain how Dragonfire's report on October 11, 2001 highlighted a new threat from nuclear weapons.
Dragonfire's report on October 11, 2001 highlighted a new threat for nuclear weapons. A nuclear weapon hadnt been used since World War II, but when dragonfire reported that a nuclear weapon was smuggled into New York, people realized just how dangerous these were and how destructive it could be and how many lives could be lost.
2. Why is proliferation such a strong concern for the United States?
Proliferation was such a strong concern for the United States because they didn't want atomic bombs to spread because the more countries that had them, the more countries that could use them and potentially end humanity.
3. What is deterrence?
Deterrence is a plan to prevent nuclear war. If one side attacked another, they would respond with an even bigger attack. Them=n both sides would realize that they face certain destruction and will stop attacking.
4. Explain the importance of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
During the Cuban missile crisis, when America learned the soviets had nuclear missiles in Cuba, a nuclear war almost broke out. It ultimately didn't happen, but it showed how close things came and a deal was made to prevent it from happening again. After this, the tension between America and the Soviet Union lessened.
5. President John F. Kennedy worried that twenty-five nations would have nuclear weapons by the 1970s. Why do you think his worry did not come to pass?
Because negotiations were held and an international agreement was made to prevent countries from acquiring nuclear weapons (other than the five that already had them).
6. What was the Cold War? How long did it last?
The Cold War was the stand-off between the United States and the Soviet Union in which both nations attempted to acquire more nuclear weapons than the other to feel secure. Ultimately, there was no actual war or battles. The Cold War came to an end on December 25, 1991 after more than 40 years. (46 years, 1945-1991)
Dragonfire's report on October 11, 2001 highlighted a new threat for nuclear weapons. A nuclear weapon hadnt been used since World War II, but when dragonfire reported that a nuclear weapon was smuggled into New York, people realized just how dangerous these were and how destructive it could be and how many lives could be lost.
2. Why is proliferation such a strong concern for the United States?
Proliferation was such a strong concern for the United States because they didn't want atomic bombs to spread because the more countries that had them, the more countries that could use them and potentially end humanity.
3. What is deterrence?
Deterrence is a plan to prevent nuclear war. If one side attacked another, they would respond with an even bigger attack. Them=n both sides would realize that they face certain destruction and will stop attacking.
4. Explain the importance of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
During the Cuban missile crisis, when America learned the soviets had nuclear missiles in Cuba, a nuclear war almost broke out. It ultimately didn't happen, but it showed how close things came and a deal was made to prevent it from happening again. After this, the tension between America and the Soviet Union lessened.
5. President John F. Kennedy worried that twenty-five nations would have nuclear weapons by the 1970s. Why do you think his worry did not come to pass?
Because negotiations were held and an international agreement was made to prevent countries from acquiring nuclear weapons (other than the five that already had them).
6. What was the Cold War? How long did it last?
The Cold War was the stand-off between the United States and the Soviet Union in which both nations attempted to acquire more nuclear weapons than the other to feel secure. Ultimately, there was no actual war or battles. The Cold War came to an end on December 25, 1991 after more than 40 years. (46 years, 1945-1991)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Works Cited
Haugen, David M., Susan Musser and Kacy Lovelace, eds. The Middle East. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009
Truman, Margaret Harry S. Truman. New York: William Morrow & Company, Inc., 1973
Bailyn, Bernard The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press, 1967
Truman, Margaret Harry S. Truman. New York: William Morrow & Company, Inc., 1973
Bailyn, Bernard The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press, 1967
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Mobilizing for Defense
1. How did the American response to the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor differ from Japanese expectations?
The Japanese expected that their raid on Pearl Harbor would terrify the Americans and they would avoid furthre conflict after getting a preview of Japan's power. But the Americans had the opposite reaction; Americans were angry and used Pearl Harbor as motivation to get involved.
2. What difficulties did women and minorities face in the wartime work force?
During war-time, women and minorities were hired, but they faced difficulties. Women only earned 60% of what men made for doing the exact same things. 75% of companies refused to hire any minorities at all and the ones who were hired were only hired as janitors and other menial jobs.
3. Why did President Roosevelt create the OSRD, and what did it do?
President Roosevelt created the OSRD in order to bring scientists into the war effort, which brough improvements in sonar and radar, as well as pesticides to fight insects and penicillin which saved many lives. Their biggest achievement was creating the atomic bomb.
4. What basic problems were the OPA and WPB created to solve?
The OPA and WPB were created to solve the problems of inflation during the war and making sure that the war industries and armed forces would receive the goods that they needed in order to win the war, which involved collecting raw materials that would be needed.
5. What type of items were rationed and why were they limited?
Meat, sugar, shoes, coffee and gasoline were rationed. These were chosen to be rationed because they were essential items for the military.
6. What is the message of the World War II poster on this assignment's blog posting? Why was this message important?
The message of the World War II poster is that if you are riding alone (without a carpool), you are riding with Hitler, meaning that you are helping out Hitler and the Germans instead of America because by not having a carpool, you are using too much gas, which is an essential item needed for the military to defeat Hitler.
The Japanese expected that their raid on Pearl Harbor would terrify the Americans and they would avoid furthre conflict after getting a preview of Japan's power. But the Americans had the opposite reaction; Americans were angry and used Pearl Harbor as motivation to get involved.
2. What difficulties did women and minorities face in the wartime work force?
During war-time, women and minorities were hired, but they faced difficulties. Women only earned 60% of what men made for doing the exact same things. 75% of companies refused to hire any minorities at all and the ones who were hired were only hired as janitors and other menial jobs.
3. Why did President Roosevelt create the OSRD, and what did it do?
President Roosevelt created the OSRD in order to bring scientists into the war effort, which brough improvements in sonar and radar, as well as pesticides to fight insects and penicillin which saved many lives. Their biggest achievement was creating the atomic bomb.
4. What basic problems were the OPA and WPB created to solve?
The OPA and WPB were created to solve the problems of inflation during the war and making sure that the war industries and armed forces would receive the goods that they needed in order to win the war, which involved collecting raw materials that would be needed.
5. What type of items were rationed and why were they limited?
Meat, sugar, shoes, coffee and gasoline were rationed. These were chosen to be rationed because they were essential items for the military.
6. What is the message of the World War II poster on this assignment's blog posting? Why was this message important?
The message of the World War II poster is that if you are riding alone (without a carpool), you are riding with Hitler, meaning that you are helping out Hitler and the Germans instead of America because by not having a carpool, you are using too much gas, which is an essential item needed for the military to defeat Hitler.
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