Tuesday, September 29, 2009

3 WWII Documents Outlined

Document 4.1 - Hitler's view of the chief aims of future German foreign policy in 1925, excerpt from Mein Kampf
  • Secure land that German people are entitled too (Lebensraum, perhaps?)
  • Right to land boundaries lies in strength - created by man only
  • Don't need to guard the 'poor little nations' but rather be aggressive!
  • "Germany will either be a world power or there will be no Germany."
  • Break from colonial & commercial policy of pre-war period and shift to soil policy of future
  • Russia in mind
  • This document: foreshadow Hitler's foreign policies and the Nazi Party, show the persuasion of Hitler's ideology in a crumbled/post-war state

Document 4.2 - The 'Quarantine Speech' by President F.D. Roosevelt, October 5, 1937
  • World in a tumultuous state - killing without declaration of war
  • Nations seeking peace must make an effort to those who violate treaties
  • People creating international anarchy and instability - cannot be escaped through isolation or neutrality (setting the stage for US involvement, sort of)
  • Must create laws and moral standards to be adhered to by all
  • US adopt policy of peace and avoid involvement in war
  • This address: outlines America's hope for peace, condemns worldwide violation of treaties, pledges lack of US involvement (a little hypocritical, perhaps?)
Document 4.8 - Japan makes the decision for war, report from the conference of the imperial Japanese government (July 2, 1941)
  • 3 goals:
  1. Follow a policy to result in the establishment of "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere"; contribute to world peace no matter the world situation (lie lie lie)
  2. Try to effect a settlement of China incident; seek to establish base for security and preservation of the nation; advance South
  3. Remove all obstacles to achieve above goals
  • Prepare for war with Great Britain and the US - will not be deterred by potential war
  • This report: Show Japan's morals and future actions, demonstrate desire for land and expansion, foreshadow the attack of US and Japan's involvement in WWII

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