Atomic Bombs Dropped (Blog #34)

American supplies and troops began to make a difference in the war by late 1942. But it would take over two more years of hard fighting to defeat the Axis powers. The Allied invasions of North Africa, Italy, and France and the fierce bombardments of German cities forced Germany to surrender in May 1945. In the Pacific, meanwhile, the United States seized Japanese held islands, including the Philippines. Atomic attacks devastated Japan, and it surrendered in August 1945.

Your Assignment:

1.) Explain the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan in some detail.
2.) Debate the following statement, 'President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan was a wise one.' (Make sure you include your thoughts/opinions)

Due: Sunday 5/3/09 by 11:59p.m.

Japanese Internment (Blog #33)

By and large, World War II did not produce the kind of home-front intolerance that occurred during World War I. One tragic exception was the forced relocation and imprisonment, or internment, of Japanese Americans living on the Pacific coast.

Your Assignment:

1.) Research the internet to find primary and secondary sources on the Japanese internment. After reading and skimming through, tell briefly what the sources you found were about.
2.) State you thoughts and opinions on the internment of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor.

Due: Sunday 4/26/o9 by 11:59p.m.

The Home Front (Blog #32)

Although World War II was fought on the battlefields of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, American farms and factories also helped win the war. As the United States mobilized its resources for combat, the entertainment industry helped sustain morale. For Japanese Americans the war resulted in confinement in remote camps. For African Americans, Mexican Americans, and women, the conflict brought both new opportunities and reminders that discrimination and inequality still existed in American society. (p. 407, 16.2)

Your Assignment:

1.) How did the United States mobilize for war?
2.) Why were Japanese Americans interned during the war?
3.) What gains did African Americans and Mexican Americans make during the war?

Due: Sunday 4/19/09 by 11:59p.m.

World War II (Blog #31)

The German invasion of Poland in 1939 launched World War II. By 1940, much of Western Europe had fallen to Germany, while Japan expanded its hold on Asia. For a time, the United States maintained its neutrality. Lend-lease aid to the Allies, beginning in 1941, however, marked an important step in U.S. involvement in the conflict. (p.400, 16.1)

Your Assignment:

1.) What obstacles did the United States face when it first entered the war?
2.) In which three battles did the Allies halt Japan's advance in the pacific?
3.) What were two major turning points in the western theater of operations?

Due: Sunday 4/12/09 by 11:59p.m.

Stock Market Crash (Blog #30)

Throughout the generally prosperous 1920's, isolated voices warned of problems with the American economy. Some people pointed to the farm crisis and to "sick" industries as problems in need of attention. Yet despite these warnings, most Americans believed that the economy would continue to thrive. Then came the stock market crash of 1929. Stock prices plunged, and investors lost billions of dollars. U.S. industries, already showing signs of weakness, almost ground to a halt. (pg. 326, 13.1)

Your Assignment:

1.) Why did many Americans invest in the stock market in the 1920s?
2.) What caused the stock market crash of 1929?
3.) What factors gave rise to the Great Depression?

Due: Sunday 4/5/09 by 11:59p.m.

New Technologies of World War I (Blog #30)

With the advance in Technology during the early 1900's, World War I became known as the war to end all wars.

Your Assignment:

1) Research at least 3 new weapon's technology developed during this time period. Also, explain each of these new advances in some detail.

Due: Sunday 4/4/10 by no later than 11:59pm

World War I (Blog #28)

When war enveloped Europe, the United States tried to remain neutral. In 1917, however, the U.S. joined the Allied cause. The government quickly moved to mobilize the economy and to build public support for the war.

Your Assignment:

1.) Suggest things that a government might do to mobilize a nation's economy to meet a national emergency.
2.) How might a government also mobilize public support.

Due: Sunday 3/23/09 by 11:59p.m.