One of the very best ways to understand World War II is to look at Frank "Capra's Why We Fight," series. Capra, America's finest movie director (It's a Wonderful Life, Meet John Doe, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, etc.) produced this series for the War Department. It was initially shown to American soldier as part of their training. Later, the films were released to the general republic.
For extra credit, watch any of the episodes linked below. I the comment section below, pick out three or four ideas from the episode that show the strength of the totalitarianism, the initial weakness of the democracies, and/or the way to democracies got their act together. You can also just comment on what you learned from the video you didn't know before.
You may repeat this assignment for extra credit, but, with each video you watch, please submit a separate comment.
Prelude to War
ReplyDelete-the human "herd" basically gave up their lives to go with this act. I did not know that this was their way of life just to make their leader happy. They would do anything to make their master happy, they all chant with Hitler. Not to sound bad but Hitler also had a way of convincing people into turning to his ways of being a terrible person. He is one of the greatest speakers to ever live, because he got so many people to turn against one race.
-Treyton Cacek
War Comes to America
ReplyDelete-We don't fight for just our country, we fight for the idea, the idea that is bigger than the country. Because without the idea we don't have a country.
-Americans realized with the Japanize took 400million Chinese, then they would run us right out the pacific. You would think that 400 million people that would run anyone out.
-Nazis took their biggest step into the world towards Russia without any declaration. After they overran Yugoslavia and Greece.
-Treyton Cacek
Divide and Conquer
ReplyDelete-Adolf Hitler stood in the same position as Napoleon did 100 years or more ago. And was looking for the one thing that stood between him and world domination. That was the British, also an island that is smaller than the state of Wyoming. Hiltler thought that crushing and killing all of those people on the island was the way to open the gates of his world conquest.
-The RAF came in fighting Germany and facing very dangerous army here. And the first phase of the Nazis plan was to knock out all of the RAF out of the air. RAF had a different plan. In the first 4 days of battle, they knocked 182 German planes out of the sky. After that the Germans attacked the coast cities from the Thames River to Weymouth. Then Hitler bought 180 more planes and started a battle between great port towns of Southampton.
-The Battle of London was the battle of the people within the own city. Looking beyond the bombs and shooting, the men and women got back to their desks and work benches and just worked another 10/12 hour day.
Treyton Cacek
Battle of Britain
DeleteDivide and Conquer
ReplyDelete-British, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa have all declared war against Hitler. The whole British commonwealth of nations was also determined on being victorious over Hitlerism and all that it stands for. British only had one weapon that was ready to defeat him and that was the Royal Navy. After the war was declared Germans were shipped from the high seas from the British.
-78 divisions here along the border of Belgium. 10 divisions here, incase Mussolini got bold. 3 and a half against Spain.
-The Germans had a secret lay in the organizations of the striking spearhead. Armed forced came first, Closely followed by mortised divisions which peeled off. Which that formed solid walls. In the middle supply trucks raced behind them to feed the ever-lengthening column.
Treyton Cacek
Prelude to War
ReplyDeleteTotalitarianism had a big impact on people during this time because it was mentioned that all crosses had to be taken down, and everybody knows what happens when you threaten someone's religion. Hitler in general and is actions is an example of how powerful totalitarianism is and what it can do. Children in schools also had to stand and chant for Hitler. This is more powerful than what is thought because this changes the minds of the children which are your future. The fascist leaders during this thought that freedom was too powerful and seemed like a threat to them and their authority so they did not support a Democracy. -Ricky Berndt
Prelude to War
ReplyDeleteYou really can't have trust in an entity that you aren't familiar with. In Italy, the people were going through great economic struggle and people were unemployed. They thought if they chose a totalitarian government then the government would solve their problems for them. What the people of Italy didn't know was that their leader was selfish and had hidden motives. Leaning on the government here was a stone that triggered an avalanche.
-Michael Nhial
Prelude to War
ReplyDeleteWhen learning about them now, totalitarian governments sound miserable to live in. In the video, and even in class discussion, we talk about how totalitarian rulers often have a devoted following. The idea is that when people are desperate they tend to lean heavily on their government, and this works. A lot of these leaders were supported by their people because they saw them as a sort of saving grace. Hitler was a great speaker and really was good at what he did. This was appealing to his people, and he easily gained their following.
EmmahLeigh Cass
"Why We Fight: The Nazis Strike" from the US National Archives vividly portrays the historical context and motivations behind America's entry into World War II. Through archival footage and expert analysis, it sheds light on the rise of Nazi aggression and the global threat it posed. Watching this documentary provided insights into the complexities of international politics and the human cost of war, revealing lesser-known details about the events leading up to America's involvement. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance against tyranny and the enduring struggle for freedom and democracy.
ReplyDeleteCollin Fritton
"Why We Fight: The Battle of Britain" from the US National Archives offers a compelling insight into a pivotal moment of World War II. Watching the video, I gained a deeper understanding of the extraordinary courage and resilience demonstrated by the British during the intense air campaign. Learning about the strategic importance of the Battle of Britain in thwarting Nazi invasion plans shed light on the intricate dynamics of wartime strategy and the immense sacrifices made by both military personnel and civilians. Additionally, discovering the crucial role of radar technology in the defense of Britain provided a fascinating perspective on the intersection of innovation and warfare.
ReplyDeleteCollin Fritton
Prelude To War-
ReplyDeleteWhile learning about totalitarian governments today, it is very easy to see how miserable the people during this time must have been. From the video, it is clear to know that the leaders during this time had very strong followers. This was because people were so desperate to feel safe and protected so they would turn to the government. Leaders, like Hitler, gained support because he seemed to give his people a way out. He used this to get himself more and more praised by the day.
-Lexi Lawler
War comes to America-
ReplyDeleteA big part of this video is that they talk about how we are a brotherhood who fights all for one. It continues to talk about how there will be no corruption in America and will leave behind the old ways-and regularly relates back to the Pledge of Allegiance. It lightly mentions how, we wanted to remain neutral in the beginning since we were still recovering from the Great Depression. The turning point was when Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Roosevelt then declared war on Japan the following day. It was also talked about how Hitler’s aggressive army was rapidly invading/expanding into different countries which led to the U.S. indirectly helping Italy.
-lexi Lawler
DeleteThe Nazis Strike-
ReplyDeleteHitler was determined to outdo Jangus Khan, as he was conquering most of the world during the 13th century. He wanted ALL of the world during the 20th. Hitler’s theory was if you control the land, then you control the world. Which is another reason to why he was so determined to be invading many parts of the world. He started by conquering eastern Europe and you dominate the heart land. Which led to domination of the world island which led to the whole world. I never really knew or understood how he thought he could control the whole world, so hearing his actual plan broken down was eye opening. All of the different leaders in Germany personally swore an allegiance with Hitler with a belief that they would be member of a “master race”.
-Lexi Lawler
DeleteWhy do we fight the nazi strike
ReplyDelete(I do not like black-and-white movies, but I will do my best.) It starts with Germany and goes way back to the 1800s, with the leader Bismark. This would lead into 1933, with the leader Hittler. The German's urge to show their power has existed for generations. Billions of the property were destroyed, which led to grief. Hitler saw himself as the German god. I never knew Hittler outdid Gangu's Kang. Germany's former genera was the head man. Hitler wanted control, and he was impatient about it. He conquered different versions of Europe, and he got his way. Hitler would become one of the scariest leaders we know today. His goal was to make Germans into the master's race. He thought Jewish people were too similar. Control the land, and you control the world, stated Hitler.
Why We Fight: The Nazis Strike
ReplyDeleteNazis controlled everything, and made decisions quick. Countries in Europe tried to avoid war because they didn't want WW1. This allowed Hitler to get away with his plans. Nazis power came fast, while democracies were slow to respond.
Why We Fight: Prelude to War (Frank Capra)
ReplyDeleteThe German's were guided by their leader Adolf Hitler in Nazism that was continuing to spread quickly. In Italy, Mussolini called this fascism and throughout Japan the ideologies of imperialism was known by many different names. In Why We Fight: Prelude to War (Frank Capra), Capra discusses the growing rise of totalitarianism and regardless of the U.S. wanting to stay out, it discusses why they needed to get on board and eradicate these growing issues they were so late to respond to.
-Luke Reierson