1. Topic 4: Legacies of the War
World War II
Topic 4: Legacies of the War

2. US Minorities Serve in the War
Minority units in general suffered high casualty rates and won many medals for bravery
African Americans begin to push for desegregated society and fair hiring practices
During WWII Blacks served in segregated units and were assigned to non-combat roles
They demanded and got combat roles

3. The Tuskegee Airmen served bravely in Europe.

5. Asian Americans were treated with distrust but Japanese units served w/ distinction (Nisei regiments)

7. Mexican Americans were not segregated and served throughout the armed forces

8. Native Americans – “Codetalkers” Navajo is an oral language, not a written language, so it was impossible for the Japanese to decode.

9. The conduct of countries during the war
A. Rules: The Geneva Convention - Tried to ensure the humane treatment of prisoners of war (POW) by establishing rules for nations to follow.
Japan did not follow these rules and was brutal to US prisoners of war.
Bataan Death March - US prisoners in the Philippines – thousands died.
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11. B. How a nation treats POW's often reflects the values and moral codes of a country (Japanese soldiers often committed suicide rather than be captured).
C. Treatment may also depend on how savage the war is - In Europe the rules of the Geneva Convention were usually followed but in the Pacific where the battles were more savage they usually were not

12. D. The Holocaust
Often wars lead to genocide – The systematic and purposeful destruction of a racial, political, religious, or cultural group.
Germany developed the FINAL SOLUTION
Hitler and the Nazis believed in a superior master Aryan race (Blue eyed & blond hair) and sought to purify Germany and the world by getting rid of anyone they hated

13. Civilians at War: 21:35- 32:45

14. Who did they hate and why?
The Jews (Hitler said they caused the Great Depression w/greedy fiscal policies - Many Jews were involved w/ banking)
Poles, Slavs and Gypsies - Genetically inferior
Undesirables - Homosexuals, mentally ill & political dissidents (trouble makers). Not meant to live because they were physically or mentally inferior to the Aryan race

15. Results of the Holocaust
Nuremberg trials after the war - Nazi's were convicted of war crimes (Some were put to death). Those convicted were not allowed to use “I was just following orders” as an excuse.
6 million Jews were killed. Due to the holocaust there was increased pressure for a Jewish homeland in the Middle East (Israel)

16. What are the most important legacies of the war that remain today?

17. The World After the War
What is the United States’ position in the world after WWII?
With all the other world powers in ruins the US becomes a world power