World War I & World War II

The Differences

World War 1 and World War 2 were both war-invasive times in modern international history. To start, the two wars were both heavy in the number of casualties. Each war had its own distinctions, making them unique in its own way. The two wars also had their similarities intertwined with each other. The main focal point is the coverage of the American entry. Let’s start by talking about World War 1.

World War I

World War I officially began in June of 1914. What started it was a complex complication between two bordering nations in Europe. Most countries sat back and watched how the violence started- many chose to stay away from conflict while other countries were determined to watch out for their fellow allies. The cause of the war was mixed with many characteristics. Nationalism was a common driving force in multiple countries; resulting in citizens (particularly in America) forming opinions based on what they heard (factual or incorrect information both apply). George Creel was a name to note, as he was one of a bunch of American citizens that spread American propaganda, which ultimately armed domestic citizens with war fever. This leads to militarism is another force. Going hand in hand with nationalism, this was the war-provoking citizen mindset. The mindset was quite simple- while some Americans supported the ideology of non-intervention, others preferred to squash the problem as it lies. Imperialism was yet another force that aided the start of this war; because when the expansion of dictator-powered countries started to grow, the opposite reaction of stopping the growth was coming into play. This concept goes hand-in-hand with the secret society because the powerless citizens that weren’t aware of the full picture ended up blaming the problem of corruption in the enemy’s foreign power. This resulted in less trustful Americans that began to build a force to enter the large-scale war. Industrialism was the last major driving force in the American involvement in the war due to the fact that major businesses were forming an infrastructure that wasn’t even brought into imagination. This would bring in added competition from foreign countries, resulting in more conflict from trade and thus adding an element to American involvement. At the time, Woodrow Wilson issued a couple of concerns, mainly revolving around his statement “To End All Wars”. Piecing together his speech and his 14 points, one can conclude that his idea of staying free from the war was demonstrated by keeping America isolated from those countries that decided to enter the war. This drew mixed concerns from the American citizens, as they were torn between intervening and not being involved. Going into the war, common battles at the time included basic weapons; including machine guns with automatic firing capabilities, lethal gas traps, spy planes, and fighter planes, and beginning stages of tanks. However, just before the entrance of the United States into World War I (April 1917), American involvement was noted to be absolutely necessary. There were a few notable back shots drawn against our country, starting with America’s disinterest in joining the war. Other countries believed that a country on the rise would absolutely need to intervene at some point in time. Woodrow Wilson tried to follow the neutrality principles from Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation, but time would only tell that it just wasn’t relevant in that time and manner. The cold war between Russia did play a part in the way that America wanted to stay away from joining; however, they were given no choice but to enter. Later in history (and before America joined the war), the Zimmerman telegram was interpreted by American officials. It stated that Germany and Mexico were allies. This would backfire on America and its hands-off approach because the people were starting to feel inferior to the foreign countries. After the telegram was leaked, the people wanted answers. Shortly thereafter, German submarines and warships sunk the Lusitania (an American ship that had prior permission from foreign countries that sought for aid/help. This was the last straw for Americans, which collectively led to the joining of the war. Comparing this war to the following war, there weren't as many casualties. It was understood to be “A war of slow destruction” through “Trench Warfare” (which was known to be a common fighting strategy that put soldiers at an advantage by the way they were positioned to fight). The effects were simple; starting with how America did not enter the League of Nations. This was a pact formed between many countries that formed a trust to stay together in turbulent times. The Treaty of Versailles also made an impact on the end of the war, which refined agreements between fighting countries. This would eventually end World War I but made World War II possible.

World War II

Before America’s involvement in World War II (December 1941), there were plenty of causes that need to be put into action. First, the Treaty of Versailles was essentially torn to shreds. Adolf Hitler took control of a struggling nation, which was made into becoming a country that didn’t look back at the past. Hitler broke promises made from the agreement, which made Franklin Roosevelt (FDR) think twice about his hands-off approach. Second, America’s involvement with the League of Nations led to another conflict. Before America had thoughts of entering the war, their fellow allies were already being attacked, forcing America to act quicker than expected. Third, the alliance appeasement from Roosevelt was backfiring. This was known to be a failure because the promises that Roosevelt made with the axis powers (abundance of supplies, armor, funds, money, and credits) were all being used against America. Fourth, the isolationism approach was another conflicting issue because of the needed help from alliance powers. This would include countries like Britain, France, and Russia. Totalitarianism would be a major driving factor in America’s decision to enter the war. When dictatorships started to rise and join forces, this threw up a red flag to countries across the globe. This pointed back to the United States, which was one of the few countries that were capable of taking down these evil regimes. The allowance of Hitler, in particular, to get into power and seize control of bordering nations was a turning point. Fifth, economic depression was a factor that played a key role in the involvement. This was due to the fact that Roosevelt came into office wanting to start stimulating the economy. He made this possible when joining the war because of the workforce that was created by protecting his country. Even though these points were enough to get America involved in the war, the final tipping point would be the Germans attacking American boats. This led to Japan bombing a military base for American troops, killing Americans with suicide flight fighters. Japan then seized American possessions- including Guam and other owned islands. Ultimately, this led to America declaring war on both Japan and Germany. The war was known to be a fight of the Total War, which was known to be more invasive than previous wars. The technology advances proved strong, as atomic bombs were dropped on the Axis Powers, resulting in millions of casualties. Also, advances in tanks and aircrafts led to larger destruction, which essentially wiped out troops on both sides with ease like never seen in history. Radios played a big part to allow communication throughout the war. Meanwhile, towards the end of the war, Holocaust involvement was still in effect. The best way to knock off evil powers was to get rid of the root of the problem. When Hitler killed himself and his own staff, America started to see the light at the end of a bloody war. By the conclusion of the war, the new effects popped up in the clear. Communism was starting to see its final days and the Axis Powers surrendered. The problem that was still in effect was the cold war with Russia. Up until 1996, America and Russia were past the Cold War and live to be two dominant countries.

Similarities

Focusing on the similarities between the two wars, one can argue that Imperialism and Nationalism were at the peak of the problem. For example, if leaders did not act in a selfish matter by trying to control more than what they are appointed to control, the war would have probably been less intense. Also, the facts that news started to circulate through America by means other than word of mouth, this armed Americans to make pseudo-beliefs that policies should be handled differently. Alliance militarism played a crucial role in America’s involvement. Last, Germany attacking American ships was the breaking point of it all, sparing a hatred felt throughout all of America. Some common similarities of pre-war America tactics included neutrality, the fact that America didn’t want to be involved with a problem that wasn’t at the top of priorities of foreign policy. Also, the Germans feared Russian expansion. America was then the turning point that changed the war because of its entrance. Germany was the main instigator in both wars, resulting in them being the big losers as well. In regards to the battles themselves, none of them took place on American soil. This allowed the Americans to help the European countries fight back. Last, it is worth mentioning that America only entered when their were directly attacked.

Summary

After learning from our history, only one can think about the possibilities of having a third World War. With tensions being high and technology advances being even higher, we are at a critical state of hostility that has passed that of the cold war. We need to come together and reconcile our differences before we are the next ones that are put into danger.