Category: World War 2

Transformations in Aircraft Manufacturing Post World War 2

Introduction

Aircraft manufacturing changed a lot after the end of World War 2. Changing markets, increasing needs in the commercial market, the emergence of a new enemy, and new emerging technologies created many new opportunities and challenges during the post-war era. After so many years of war, the new era of peace brought with it a feeling of exploration and a time to get out and experience new things. Civilians now wanted to utilize these new air routes that cris-crossed the globe, making the world a smaller place.

Meanwhile, after a time of demobilization and drawdowns, it became apparent that a new enemy from the other side of the world was building up their military strength and waiting to see which side would blink first. Military contractors knew that they would have to keep innovating and developing to propel the United States into the second half of the twentieth century.

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A Changing World for Aircraft Manufacturing Post World War 2

In the years following World War 2, the aircraft manufacturing industry began seeing a shift from government to commercial use. As the war ended, the need for a buildup of equipment and aircraft was no longer there, yet the public saw airliners as a new and efficient way to travel across the continent or across the globe. Turbofan engines became more fuel efficient than turbo-prop over long distances. With the global conflict over and airlines competing against each other, it was a great time for customers to experience the new way of travel.

The introduction of new technology meant businesses needed to ensure their pilots, crew, and maintainers were familiarized with the new equipment. So companies like Boeing introduced schools where they could educate their employees about working on and operating the new pressurized body. During the war, Boeing nicknamed their school in Seattle the “Fortress school” after their flying fortress, where they taught military personnel how to fly and maintain their epic flying machine, but after the war, they transformed the “Fortress school” into the “Stratocruiser school.” This Stratocruiser school helped pilots make the leap from piston aircraft to jet-powered ones. Douglas Aircraft Company, later called McDonnell Douglas before merging with Beoing in 1997, had similar schools in California.

Global Connectivity and Maintenance

The globe began to shrink with all these aircraft reaching new and distant locations with airplanes traveling so far from home. Companies realized it was far cheaper to keep representatives out near these remote sites to recover or repair anything that might happen to the aircraft, for example, in case one crashed and needed to be repaired enough to fly home.

Although military sales had almost come to a stop after the war, the government soon realized that they needed to keep pace with the military complex of the USSR. So contracts were made for newer aircraft that utilized the new jet-powered engines, aircraft that are still in use today, like the B-52 and the KC-135, which were built to traverse the globe quickly and efficiently during a tumultuous time in our history. The United States aircraft was designed to carry nuclear and non-nuclear munitions; even fighter aircraft had been modified to obtain this ability. This mindset helped lay down ideals still used in developing aircraft to this day. New jet engines were not only fuel efficient but possessed more horsepower than traditional piston-driven motors, meaning they could still perform at the required levels while still carrying heavier loads.

Conclusion

The post-war period saw many changes in the aircraft manufacturing industry, creating many challenges and opportunities. Some of these were how to overcome power output and fuel consumption. The greatest minds of the time were brought together to innovate the way we move about the globe, learning from what they have experienced during the war; they say necessity breeds innovation, well these individuals used what they learned in the war and came back home to develop new technologies to stay competitive on the world stage.

References

1. Boyne, W. J., & Bilstein, R. E. (2016, August 04). History of flight. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/technology/history-of-flight/From-airmail-to-airlines-in-the-United-States
2. Clarke, M. A. (2008, December 3). The Evolution of Military Aviation. Retrieved from https://www.nae.edu/TheEvolutionofMilitaryAviation.aspx
3. Why did the turbojet replace the piston engine? (2018, February). Retrieved October 25, 2018, from https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/48953/why-did-the-turbojet-replace-the-piston-engine
4. Winship, W. (n.d.). Boeing & Douglas: A History of Customer Service. Retrieved from https://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_01/textonly/ps01txt.html

Racism’s Dark Shadow: World War II and its Impact on Racial Prejudice

Introduction

During the year 1941, America was still trying to recover from the great depression. Many people had no jobs. When the United States entered the war, it changed the nation. The war created many jobs and opportunities to have a better economy for citizens. Soldiers enter and join the war in hopes of having a better future and helping their families.

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Mexican American Contributions, Challenges, and Impact during World War II

Leaving behind farming and agriculture jobs. Programs like the Bracero program also had a big impact on the economy of war. The Mexican American society helped the nation’s economy by providing cheap labor and agricultural goods during the war. The Bracero workers faced many challenges, like discrimination and racism. The Braceros program changed the United States. Mexican American workers fought and persevered through racism and discrimination.

The war had made the united states very scarce in resources. Many men and women work to try to help the nation. Farm laborers went looking for higher wages and joined the soldiers. This left United States farms with no workers.

Latinos had a big impact on world war two. More than 300,000 Mexican Americans workers participated. The participation that Latinos contributed during the war was very well needed due to the lack of workers. The Bracero Program is a program that contributed to the nation during world war two. “The Bracero program was an agreement between the U.S. and Mexican governments that permitted Mexican citizens to take temporary agricultural work in the United States” (Marentes pg.1). This agreement helped the united states face the challenges that the war had brought.

The braceros’ program was predominantly Mexican citizens as well as Mexican Americans. The braceros’ program helped the United States meet the economic need that the war brought upon the country. The Bracero program impacted not only the United States during World War two but also after the war. “The braceros converted the agricultural fields of America into the most productive on the planet.” (Marentes pg 23). Even with the program, many Latinos faced discrimination after the war ended. The braceros were not the only ones faced with discrimination; so were the Latino soldiers that fought in the war.

Bracero Program’s Influence

The Bracero program had an agreement that protected the workers from being discriminated against. “Mexican workers shall not suffer discriminatory acts of any kind.” (Campbell Pg. 2) The Mexican government wanted to ensure that the people were safe, but even with the agreement, the conditions were disregarded by the government and the landowners. When the war was over, the agreement was that the workers were set to go back to Mexico. It took about fifteen years later for the program to end. This creates a sense of resentment among many American workers who came back from the war and had no jobs in the fields.

A letter to a Dallas newspaper explains why people were opposed to Mexican labor. The language that is used to describe the worker is degrading and insulting. “the wetback labor was no recourse to law or this country” (Idar pg.1). In the interview of a father who worked as a bracero in Arizona, he is reminiscing about the times he works in the fields. “I used to get paid $1.25 an hour.” (Marquez 11). The agreement of the braceros’ pay was at least $3.00 an hour. Due to necessity, the workers would stay and work for less than minimum wage. The discrimination made the Mexican government forbid the workers from working in states like Texas.

Not only was discrimination a problem in the field but so was racism against the workers. The braceros would deal with different types of racism. “The workers would not only experience the abuse from racist extremists but the average American as well.” (Marentes pg. 26). Even though many Mexican braceros were Mexican Americans and the contribution they had to help during the war. The farmers still faced abuse. A simple act of getting a cup of coffee would become difficult for a worker.

In a journal, a worker writes a time when he wanted a cup of coffee and was denied because of his race. “The owner stated flatly: I’ll serve you, but I don’t serve Mexicans.'(Kibbe pg.2). The racism against the braceros was very notable. The braceros had to live through it because there were always more people that could take their place.

Conclusion

The Bracero Program is a very criticized program. The war ended, and the program continued, which caused a lot of controversial discussions. Having the braceros work on farms during the war helped the United States achieve a better economy. Having the braceros work after the war ended created segregation within Mexican American societies. Understanding what the Braceros’ program was and how it impacted the nation during world war two and after the war is important. By understanding the program, it allows people to see the impact it had in the United States.

Understanding the downs sides of the program, such as discrimination and racism, is a part of how the nation was affected. Especially the Mexican American people who were working in the field or who came back from the war. The Braceros Program created a gateway for the Chicano movement and the laborer activist to fight for the civil rights of farm workers in the united states.

Bibliography

1. Abbott, Franky, and Hillary Brady. “Mexican Labor and World War II: The Bracero Program.” Mexican Labor and World War II: The Bracero Program | DPLA, dp. la/primary-source-sets/mexican-labor-and-world-war-ii-the-bracero-program.
2. Franky Abbott, Hillary Brady. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/mexican-labor-and-world-war-ii-the-bracero-program/additional-resources#tabs
3. Idar, Eduardo, Jr., “Press statement and telegram from Ed Idar, Jr., to E. M. Dealey,” Digital Public Library of America, http://dp.la/item/46389f80435feed6d6da4cfda727261d.
4. Marquez, Luis and José Marquez, “Oral History with Luis Marquez and José Marquez,” Digital Public Library of America, http://dp.la/item/810aad4d4402c50919a1a31af41ea729.

World War II: Balancing Advantages and Negative Impacts

Introduction

World War 2 was fought between the Allied powers and Axis power in the year 1939 to 1945 (A&E Television Network, 2018). Germany invaded Poland on 1st September 1939 (History plex. 2018). Britain and France, who promised military support to Poland asked Germany to withdraw their armies from Poland, but Germany turned a deaf ear, so Britain and France declared war against Germany and eventually World War 2 had begun (History Plex, 2018). World War 2 is considered a good war to have fought because of its many advantages. New technologies were developed noted are rocket technology, nuclear energy, jet engines, and new medicines (Altman, P., 2015). It was after the war that stronger peace-maintaining bodies Were formed and worked to promote peace and strengthen the relations of different countries.

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Advantages and Technological Progress

European colonialism came to an end. The war provided opportunities for women to work beyond housewives; while men were out fighting the war, the vacuums in the industrial sector were filled by women (Kid Port., 2012). This made women Independent even after the war ended. Since World War 2 took the lives of millions of civilians, there are critics of the good war fought. World War 2 has negative impacts on the social, economic, and political systems of the countries.

Human Tragedy and Negative Consequences

World War 2 has huge social impacts. World War 2 can never be a good war fought as; it took 80 million of civilian lives (Altman, P., 2014). Hitlers concentration camps And the holocaust took 6 million Jews’ lives. (Kid Port, 2012). War fought was never a good one as the victory of the Russians was celebrated with the gang raps of millions of German women (Geoffrey, W., 2014). The bombing and the nuclear Power destroyed millions of homes, leaving people homeless, hungry, and cold on the streets.

As a result of this, many civilians died from various diseases and malnutrition. War was not a good one as, across countries, entire cities were ruined, landscapes were ravaged, and millions of citizens were left homeless. Institutions such as police, transport, and national government were ineffective as a result; crime rates were high, and the defeated countries were treated as puppets by victorious countries. The war also had a mental effect on people; the survivors of the wars were left with grief and longing for their lost ones. So, the war was definitely not a good one to have happened.

World War has an economic impact. The war resulted in an employment crisis as soldiers who returned from war had no jobs. World War 2 will never be a good war fought as; the countries had to bear the huge expenditure of constructing the things which were destroyed during the war, and bringing back stability in the economic and political system took way too many years.

The war had a negative impact on the political relations of the countries. The allied powers which had control over Europe now fought among themselves over the rule of these countries. The ill-treatment of Germans further resulted in hatred for allied countries. The use of atomic bombs by the US resulted in other countries spending on nuclear weapons in order to protect their nations.

Conclusion

To conclude, World War Two is considered a good war, but there will always be critiques of this phrase. World War 2 has caused major destruction to the world, humanity, and economies. World War 2 took as many as 8o million lives. On the other hand, World War 2 can be viewed as a good war because European colonialism ended after the war.

People learned that in order to prevent future wars and promote peace, they should develop good relations with other countries and work towards mutually benefiting each other. War also resulted in the formation of stronger bodies, such
as the United Nations. However, World War 2 also laid the stage for the cold war, which was later fought between USA and Soviet Union (Star and Stripes, 2018). Therefore, World War 2 had a more negative impact on the social, economic, and political systems of the countries.

References

1. (A&E Television Networks, LLC, 2018). World War 2 History. Retrieved from: https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history
2. History plex, 2018. The real causes of World War 2 and its devastating effects. Retrieved from:
   https://historyplex.com/causes-effects-of-world-war-2
3. (Tim, K., 2012). Was the “Good War” really good. Retrieved from: https://www.fff.org/explore-freedom/article/was-the-good-war-really-good/
   (Geoffrey, W., 2014).
4. The myth of the good war. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2014/dec/09/-sp-myth-of-the-good-war  (Purdue, A., W, 2016).
5. The transformative impact of World War 2. Retrieved from: http://ieg-ego.eu/en/threads/alliances-and-wars/war-as-an-agent-of-transfer/a-w- Purdue-the-transformative-impact-of-world-war-ii
   (Altman, P., 2015).
6. What were the benefits of World War II? In what ways are we indebted to World War 2 when we consider the things that we now take for granted? Retrieved from: https://www.quora.com/What-were-the-benefits-of-World-War-II-In-what-ways-are-we- indebted-to-World-War-2-when-we-consider-things-that-we-now-take-for-granted
7. (Dinesh, n.d.). Changes in post second world war regarding international relations. Retrieved from:
   http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/war/changes-in-post-2nd-world-war- regarding-international-relations/48502
8. (Star and Stripes, 2018). Retrieved from: https://www.stripes.com/news/a-bomb-ended-world-
   war-ii-but-set-stage-for-the-cold-war-1.365555

Cultural Heritage during World War 2: The Amber Room and the Monuments Men

Introduction

In Salt to the Sea, many people are trying to evacuate and get transported out of Germany and into safety. The story tells of a group of these people and their experience in trying to clear out of Germany.

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The Enigmatic Amber Room

In the story, one of the main characters, Florian, is a former art restorer. Because of this, he had a greater understanding of the art during this time and even had connections to the Amber Room. Florian had an amber swim, which was stolen from the Amber Room. The Amber Room is a mystery that remains unsolved. For many years, people have tried to find the Amber Room, which is made completely out of amber (Lemmon DB). The Amber Room was originally located in the Catherine Palace until the Nazis raided the palace and abducted the Amber Room during World War II (Andrews W). At that time, amber was twelve times more valuable than gold, making it very rare and desirable to the Nazis (Scott-Clark and Levi 4). The Amber Room was even considered the eighth wonder of the world (Lusted DB).

The Monuments Men’s Quest

To this day, the location of the original Amber Room remains unknown (Lemmon DB). Although many have looked for it, there seems to be no information about where it could be located now (Scott-Clark and Levy 7). Almost every official that had ties to the Amber Room is either dead or missing, leaving us with very little information as to where it could be today (Scott-Clark and Levy 7). There are multiple theories about where the Amber Room is now (Andrews W). Some believe it is still here and secluded in a vault, while others believe it is somewhere at the bottom of the Baltic Sea and gone forever (Andrews W). Others think that the Amber Room is hidden in an old silver mine (Lemmon DB).

Although there is a replica of the Amber Room, many still desire to find the original (Andrews W). This new Amber Room is located in the Catherine Palace and was unveiled on May 31, 2003 (Lemmon DB). The Monuments Men was a group of volunteers that was committed to saving artwork stolen by the Nazis (Edsel and Witter 2). During World War II, the Nazis stole many famous artworks and sculptures (Edsel and Witter 3). The Monuments Men felt it was their duty to save these valuable artworks and documents (Leeper DB). They dedicated their lives to saving and restoring these works of art looted by the Nazis (Santoro DB). Works of art by Leonardo DaVinci, Michelangelo, and more were saved and restored by the Monuments Men (Edsel and Witter 3). These Monuments Men were made up of volunteers (Edsel and Witter 5). They were all ordinary people, usually in their forties (Edsel and Witter 3).

Conclusion

Most of them came from the pasts of artists or museum workers, leading them to have a greater understanding of the artwork stolen by the Nazis. (Santoro DB). These men and women made the courageous decision to leave their families to help restore Europe’s culture (Santoro DB). Around 350 people total served as Monuments Men during this time (Edsel and Witter 3). Although their group was made up of ordinary, everyday people, they made a big impact (Edsel and Witter 2). Some even call the Monuments Men’s work the greatest treasure hunt in history (Edsel and Witter 2). World War II was a significant time for art.

References

1. Lemmon, C. (DB). The Amber Room
2. Andrews, W. (W). The Mystery of the Amber Room
3. Edsel, R. M., & Witter, B. (2, 3, 5). The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History
4. Leeper, J. (DB). The Monuments Men: Rescuing Europe’s Treasures

The German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact and the Unfolding of World War II

Introduction

The German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact was signed by Hitler and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in August 1939, inciting a flurry of concern in London and Paris. The invasion of Poland, a nation to which Great Britain and France had guaranteed military support if Germany invaded, had long been planned by Hitler. The pact with Stalin meant that once he invaded Poland, Hitler would not face a war on two fronts and would have Soviet help in conquering and dividing the nation itself (History.com, 2009). “On September 1, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland from the west; two days later, France and Britain declared war on Germany, beginning World War II.” (History.com, 2009)

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World War II Takes Shape

Soviet forces invaded Poland from the east on September 17. Poland came rapidly under attack from both sides and, according to a secret protocol appended to the Nonaggression Pact, Germany and the Soviet Union had divided power over the country by early 1940. The forces of Stalin then advanced to conquer the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) and, in the Russo-Finish War, defeated a resistant Finland.

During the six months following the invasion of Poland, the lack of intervention by Germany and the Allies in the West led to a ‘phony war’ being debated in the news media. “At sea, however, the British and German navies faced off in heated battle, and lethal German U-boat submarines struck at merchant shipping bound for Britain, sinking more than 100 vessels in the first four months of World War II.” (History.com, 2009) World War II was affecting the world, and now I will tell you how.

World War II Around the World

Germany simultaneously invaded Norway and occupied Denmark on April 9, 1940, and the war began in earnest. In what became known as ‘blitzkrieg,’ or lightning battle, on May 10, German forces marched through Belgium and the Netherlands. Hitler’s troops crossed the Meuse River three days later and attacked French forces at Sedan, situated at the northern end of the Maginot Line, an extensive chain of fortifications designed after the First World War and known as an impenetrable defensive barrier. Actually, with their tanks and aircraft, the Germans broke through the line and proceeded to the rear, making it useless.

Conclusion

At the end of May, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was evacuated by sea from Dunkirk, while a doomed resistance was mounted in the South of France. With France on the brink of collapse, Italy’s fascist dictator Benito Mussolini formed an alliance with Hitler, the Steel Pact, and on June 10, Italy declared war on France and Britain.

References

1. History.com. (2009). German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/german-soviet-nonaggression-pact
2. History.com. (2009). World War II. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history
3. History.com. (2009). German Invasion of Poland. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germans-invade-poland

Pearl Harbor: Catalyst for Societal Change Post-WW2

Pearl Harbor: The Turning Point in War and American Societal Views

Life after WW2 When the United States was coming out of the Great Depression, women and other races were treated differently. One of the nation’s most defining points in history was World War II. After almost a century, the belief that gender or race should be treated unequally has come to an end. People who were not white could not get the same rights as others and still did not until ten years later. They were not able to serve in the military or any job with authority. Women were the typical stay-at-home wives who did not work outside the house.

The war started when Nazi Germany’s Adolf Hitler launched his invasion of Poland, allowing him to go on to conquer most of Europe. Hitler’s goal was to cause a mass genocide of the Jewish people and show that the Aryan race was dominant and that the Jews should be killed. After Hitler Conquered most of Europe, the Axis powers, which were composed of Germany, Italy, Japan, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, began to follow Hitler. The United States entered the war later because they were neutral due to the Lend-Lease Act and the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor suffered a bad loss when the Japanese sent a surprise bombing on a U.S. base that was located there. That’s when the United States decided to join allies in the fight against Germany. In December 1941, the U.S. declared war on Japan. Sadly, in retaliation for the Pearl Harbor bombing, the United States detonated two nuclear weapons over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

From Battlefront to Homefront: How WW2 Transformed American Society and Workforce

As the fight progressed, it was clear to the Allied Powers that they needed to help the Jewish people and bring an end to Hitler. At this time, the Jewish people were being slaughtered and treated like slaves. Since the U.S. had very little resources to engage in war, they needed all the help they could get. There were kids asked to help with bringing any scrap that could be fashioned into weapons for our army. Women were also working at factories that helped the war effort. They made ammunition, vehicles, and more. Overnight, the unemployment rate dropped by 90% because everyone had a role to play. The United States needed all it could get in order to help our men at war. Due to the rapid unemployment drop, we were carried out of the Great Depression. At this time, African Americans were finally able to serve in the military.

There were over 2.5 African Americans who served in the U.S. military during the war, including the famous Tuskegee Airmen, who were the first African-American fighter pilots.

After Hilter committed suicide a week later, the Axis powers surrendered, ending World War 2.

After the war, African Americans were allowed to serve in the war, and this was a new change for their workforce. Women, given their great effort during the war, were laid off from their factory jobs, but most girls over 14 began to work outside the house. And after the war, our factories were able to produce more supplies to support the military effort. I truly believe that the war helped break racial and sexist barriers.

References

1. Personal letters and diaries from soldiers and civilians during WW2.
2. Newspapers and periodicals from the 1940s.
3. U.S. government publications from the time (e.g., wartime propaganda, military recruitment posters).