The American experience that ended with the War (1931-1939),

The American experience that ended with the War (1931-1939),

Throughout history, the world has experienced many events and experiences that have brought significant changes. World wars are some of the events that have shaped the globe and the lives of people greatly. The era of world 2 affected not only the United States but also other countries across the universe. Nevertheless, Americans remember themselves rightly or wrongly during the three-time periods associated with the era of World War 2. In a nutshell, Americans hold positive and negative perceptions of the experiences related to the three-time periods. However, I agree that Americans were liberators of an oppressed world fighting a just war, making the world and their lives better off for it.

The American experience that ended with the War (1931-1939),

Before the World War 2, there were many happenings, experiences, and encounters that took place. In particular, the people and leaders of the United States had engaged in several undertakings and deals, but unfortunately, ended with the War. Allowing immigrants to settle in America is one of the experiences that ended with the War. However, the idea of having immigrants in America shows that different parts were chaotic, and the world was oppressed. Nevertheless, the decision to allow immigrants and settlers to the nation was motivated by several factors. The United States of America had just been from World War 1, and they did not want another one. Hence, the leaders felt that refusing immigrants to settle could have created hatred and sparked another political conflict. Also, the leaders believed that these people would offer many economic benefits, including cheap labor in the country. Luckily, some immigrants took jobs in various sectors and industries within the country. They offered cheap and available labor in industries, factors, and other commercial sectors (Secretary of Commerce p1). The political decision to allow immigrants to the nation facilitated a peaceful coexistence among Americans.

However, these American experiences ended up paving the way for World War 2. For example, the idea of choosing peace made many countries, including Japan, to take advantage of the United States. When the United States of America was committed to achieving and spreading peace, countries like Japan and German were planning on how to attack and spark another war. Successfully, the War broke out. The onset of the War was marked by Nazi Germany’s attack on Poland in September 1939. However, during this time, the United States had not become part of the War because the country had remained committed to achieving peace (Foner 734). Nevertheless, it is highly believed that the Immigrants, such as those with Japan origin, contributed to the War and created a room for America to become part of it. These immigrants informed troops allied to their nations on various issues related to the United States. For instance, they surveyed the borders and coastal regions of the United States and informed the attacking troops. Consequently, the Japanese troop ended up bombing the coastal part of the USA and ushering America to the War.

The experience of the War and the Home-front itself

During the War, many and unique experiences took place. However, a majority of Americans have negative perceptions concerning those experiences. Nevertheless, Americans acted as liberators of an oppressed world fighting a just war, making the world and their lives better off for it. Nonetheless, social life of Americans was impacted negatively both at home and at overseas. Socially, no one was at peace, knowing that War is ongoing. Therefore, everyone lived in fear and dread not knowing what will happen the next moment. It is also important to note that families experienced emotional turmoil, particularly when their loved ones, especially men left the country for the fight. Worth noting, American soldiers went into War to liberate parts like Germany, where people were experiencing great oppressions. In German, the Nazis had oppressed the Jewish by denying them food, proper shelter, and other basic needs. These soldiers suffered other challenges, including discrimination, since the Nazis did not want their role in restoring peace. As a result, they could not interact or relate well with other people in such places due to race and other differences.

Besides, Americans experienced challenges in political and economic developments. During the War, political stability was experienced less often. Leaders became infuriated and made undesired decisions which destabilized politics of the nation. For instance, the decision of establishing the concentration camps in Europe where the captives were dispatched created political tensions. However, some USA leaders did not like the idea of establishing camps since they believed other nations would be angered by the suffering of their people. Subsequently, Japan continued to engage in War with the USA after Japanese captives had been taken to the camps. It is also important to note that the era of War brought economic problems that brought a lot of regrets and complaints. People worked under poor conditions and received least remunerations and compensations. For example, one of the interviewees of Terkel suggests that they were earning between twelve and sixteen dollars a month (Terkel p1). In effect, productivity went down in countries that took part in the War. This situation was facilitated by the lack of motivation to work among laborers due to poor working conditions. As a result, the flow of goods and services, especially the consumable ones, went down.

The time period that followed World War 2-postwar America (1945 to 1960)

The period that followed World War 2 or the postwar was also a significant one. This is another period that shows Americans as liberators of an oppressed world fighting a just war, making the world and their own lives better off for it. However, Americans believe that this period brought positive results and transformations. The government, state officials, and citizens acted swiftly, as a way of making the world and their nation better. During this time, political stability and positive social and economic developments were achieved. The US government, through the “Servicemen’s Readjustment Act,” mitigated unemployment and other challenges after the War was over. The Act enabled many former soldiers to get employment and other benefits such as affordable housing after taking part in War. The Act enabled more than 8 million veterans to get educational benefits (Www.ourdocuments.gov p1). Others were helped to purchase homes and start businesses, thus improving their social and economic lives. Conflicts and crimes related to unemployment were reduced in society. Besides, people got economic powers to get the necessary commodities that suite their desired needs. Also, businesses thrived since there were ready markets and workers.

The quest and victory for equality also depict Americans as liberators of an oppressed world fighting a just war, making the world and their own lives better off for it. The American G.I. Forum is one of the organizations that were involved in the quest for equality until its success in America. The American G.I. Forum organized and conducted many civil rights movements after World War 2. Most of the movements and campaigns that were spearheaded by the forum left significant marks in the quest for equality. At one point, in 1949, the organization held protests against a funeral home that disallowed a chapel service based on the ground of racial origin of a US veteran. However, the Forum’s members protested until when justice prevailed. Such movements and the desire of Americans to have equality impacted the nation positively (National War Labor Board Press Release p1). Undesired behaviors like segregation, discrimination, and hatred were slowly becoming extinct among Americans as other nations followed. As a result, people began to interact and relate well with each other in spite of race and other affiliations. This situation was experienced in Japan and other European states like Germany, where the War had heightened. Besides, productivity and improvements were experienced at the workplaces and business arenas since people became united and peacefully co-existed. Also, the politics of different parts of the globe blossomed as more people got elective posts in spite of their races.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the periods of prewar, during the War, and postwar were significant and brought great changes across the globe. Before the World War 2, many nations had suffered greatly, and thus, they saw the need not to take part in any war. For instance, the United States choose not to be part of any war, but made decisions such as allowing malicious immigrants into the country. In effect, such undertakings and other similar experiences ended with the War. But, I agree that with the perception that Americans acted as liberators of an oppressed world fighting a just war, making the world and their own lives better off for it. However, some Americans remember wrongly or hold negative perceptions, particularly during the War. However, there are some Americans who remember themselves rightly or have positive perceptions of the period that followed World War 2.