THE HOLOCAUST
“’Holocaust’ comes from the Greek word holokauston, itself a translation of the Hebrew olah, meaning ‘completely burnt offering to God’, implying that Jews and other ‘undesirables’ murdered during World War II were a sacrifice to God” (Fleet, 2012). “Now, ‘Holocaust’ is used to refer generally to Nazi atrocities during World War II. In 2006, the United Nations instituted an International Day of Commemoration, declaring, ‘the Holocaust’, which resulted in the murder of one-third of the Jewish people along with countless members of other minorities, will forever be a warning to all people of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice” (Fleet, 2012).
“The Holocaust was not an isolated outlier, given the right circumstances, another situation like it could easily arise” and “though perpetrated by a few, the Holocaust was, in its entirety, the fault of the entire global community, who simply watched on as the few committed acts of unspeakable evil” (Tan, 2012).
“The Holocaust was not an isolated outlier, given the right circumstances, another situation like it could easily arise” and “though perpetrated by a few, the Holocaust was, in its entirety, the fault of the entire global community, who simply watched on as the few committed acts of unspeakable evil” (Tan, 2012).
Three steps to prevent another holocaust
- Education – “In order to prevent future atrocities and genocide, we need to educate ourselves about the Holocaust. By learning about how the Nazi party initiated its crusade with lesser acts of discrimination, played on the emotions of the unwitting German citizens and exploited a wider lack of moral reflection, we can ensure that future generations do not fall prey to the same ploys and tactics” (Tan, 2012).
- Speak up – “speaking up against acts that we know are immoral and unjustified now, before they spiral beyond our control, serves as another crucial step for future change. This can take the form of petitioning local leaders to prioritize civil rights, participating in demonstrations against human rights abuses, or simply urging friends to refrain from utilizing discriminatory insults such as “gay” or “retarded.” After all, the Holocaust didn’t start with the Final Solution. It started with the call for the destruction of Jewish businesses and the mandate for Jews to wear the yellow Star of David badge to differentiate them from the Aryan population. If people had spoken up against those injustices then, Hitler may never have been able to gain the momentum necessary to carry through with his plans, and the Holocaust may never have happened” (Tan, 2012).
- Take action – “Inaction is not an option, for as Holocaust survivor Leslie Meisels said, ‘Silence helps the oppressors.’ We cannot consent to being bystanders and simply watching injustices pervade the fabric of our societies. That is how the Holocaust began, and thus that is what we must avoid. Only through recognizing and combating prejudice at its roots can we hope to ever truly prevent a tragedy like the Holocaust from ever occurring again” (Tan, 2012).
THE U.S enters the war
The US entered the War for two reasons, its relationship with Britain and its conflict with the Japanese. During 1940 and 1941 the US President Roosevelt convinced Congress to allow the US to increase its aide to the British in the form of arms and war necessities. The aide the US extended to the British included a lend for lease program of war arms and munitions. Additionally, "in July of 1941 Roosevelt ordered US naval and air units to patrol the Western Atlantic to warn Britain of the presence of German Submarines" (Lyons, 2010, p. 132). This would lead to increased tensions between the German and US forces and in September of 1941 an altercation would come about where the German's would sink the Reuben James and damage the Kearny. From this point forward Roosevelt declared a shoot on site for the US forces. This would in effect be the beginning of the US entry into the War.
The official entry into the War was the result of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which was a culmination of the frictions between the two countries. The tensions came to a head with the Japanese encroachment of Indochina, its involvement in the Tripartite Pact, and the Us embargo forcing a stop to the exports of aviation fuel and iron. Ultimately, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor would force the Us into the war.
When the US intercepted a decoded message from the Japanese that pinpointed November 29th as deadline for negotiations and after that things would happen automatically. On December 7th 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor with innovated torpedoes, armed with wooden tillers, and six carriers as well as 360 planes. The Japanese launched their planes from 220 miles away and sank three destroyers, four smaller vessels and four battleships. The interesting thing about the US entry into the War was, the US did not declare War. In fact it was Germany and Italy's declaration of war against the US that officially brought the US officially into the War.
The official entry into the War was the result of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which was a culmination of the frictions between the two countries. The tensions came to a head with the Japanese encroachment of Indochina, its involvement in the Tripartite Pact, and the Us embargo forcing a stop to the exports of aviation fuel and iron. Ultimately, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor would force the Us into the war.
When the US intercepted a decoded message from the Japanese that pinpointed November 29th as deadline for negotiations and after that things would happen automatically. On December 7th 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor with innovated torpedoes, armed with wooden tillers, and six carriers as well as 360 planes. The Japanese launched their planes from 220 miles away and sank three destroyers, four smaller vessels and four battleships. The interesting thing about the US entry into the War was, the US did not declare War. In fact it was Germany and Italy's declaration of war against the US that officially brought the US officially into the War.
ALLIES & THE WAR
The Governments of the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom and the Provisional Government of the French Republic, hereby assume supreme authority with respect to Germany, including all the powers possessed by the German Government, the High Command and any state, municipal, or local government or authority. The assumption, for the purposes stated above, of the said authority and powers does not affect the annexation of Germany. — US Department of State, Treaties and Other International Acts Series, No. 1520” ("The Aftermath", n.d). With this treaty being signed, basically the allies would be setting the tone for the near future as it would pertain the German people. In part I would agree with this due to how many countries were together on leadership over this country. This now days would be a prime example of The United Nations.
With the Governments of the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom and the Provisional Government of the French Republic, and Germany all signing a treaty at the end of the war. This would mean that the German representatives at the time would all be overseen by all of the above countries as a whole. This would help ensure that Germany would not yet again take an attempt for world dominance. This treaty would also have help create peace across the globe. That is pertaining to the chance of yet another World War.
With the Governments of the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom and the Provisional Government of the French Republic, and Germany all signing a treaty at the end of the war. This would mean that the German representatives at the time would all be overseen by all of the above countries as a whole. This would help ensure that Germany would not yet again take an attempt for world dominance. This treaty would also have help create peace across the globe. That is pertaining to the chance of yet another World War.
EASTERN & WESTERN EUROPE
Eastern Europe
The allies were victorious in World War II on Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) when Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally. On this day, May 8, 1945, most of the world breathed a sigh of relief that the war was over, but relief was short-lived as the countries looked at their losses. There were many changes after the war politically, socially, and economically. In Eastern Europe, the USSR dominated with its Red Army, occupying large tracts of territory even before the war ended. An alarmed Prime Minister Winston Churchill suggested a division of influence in the Balkans during his visit to Moscow in October 1944. Stalin surprisingly agreed, taking 90 percent interest in Rumania and 75 percent in Bulgaria while taking only 10 percent in Greece and a 50-50 division of interest in Hungary. Roosevelt detested this sphere-of-influence approach to power politics, however (Lyons, n.d.).
Meanwhile, after the war the USSR continued to dominate many other countries, some of which were annexed directly and some became satellite states. The annexed Soviet-dominated territories included the Baltic States, the northern third of East Prussia, eastern Poland, Ruthenia, the easternmost province of Czechoslovakia, and the Rumanian provinces of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina. Poland received the southern two-thirds of East Prussia and the area of Germany east of the Oder-Neisse line as compensation for their lost eastern territory; this move was approved by America and Britain at the Potsdam conference. Poland gained important land in this compensation including the ports of Danzig and Stettin and the rich industrial area of Silesia (Lyons, 2010).
The satellite states of the USSR were Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Rumania, and Bulgaria. Despite Stalin’s agreement at the Yalta Conference to establish a coalition government in all liberated countries, subjugation of these countries still occurred. Communists held key positions in the satellite states and eventually squeezed out the non-communists. The satellite states were modeled closely after the Stalinist system in the USSR. Politically, no opposition parties were allowed; socially, government kept tight control over all aspects of life; economically, the state controlled pricing (Lyons, 2010).
There were some exceptions to the USSR’s giant web of control in Eastern Europe. Yugoslavia is one country that was exempt from the pattern of USSR domination. When Stalin tried to increase Soviet influence over Tito’s regime, he turned to the West for aid. Because of this, Yugoslavia remained independent from both Eastern and Western influences but still remained a Communist country. Finland was able to remain independent from the USSR and also continued as a non-Communist, democratic state. The Finns kept a close relationship with the USSR economically, though, which led Stalin to allow the Finns their independence (Lyons, 2010).
Meanwhile, after the war the USSR continued to dominate many other countries, some of which were annexed directly and some became satellite states. The annexed Soviet-dominated territories included the Baltic States, the northern third of East Prussia, eastern Poland, Ruthenia, the easternmost province of Czechoslovakia, and the Rumanian provinces of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina. Poland received the southern two-thirds of East Prussia and the area of Germany east of the Oder-Neisse line as compensation for their lost eastern territory; this move was approved by America and Britain at the Potsdam conference. Poland gained important land in this compensation including the ports of Danzig and Stettin and the rich industrial area of Silesia (Lyons, 2010).
The satellite states of the USSR were Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Rumania, and Bulgaria. Despite Stalin’s agreement at the Yalta Conference to establish a coalition government in all liberated countries, subjugation of these countries still occurred. Communists held key positions in the satellite states and eventually squeezed out the non-communists. The satellite states were modeled closely after the Stalinist system in the USSR. Politically, no opposition parties were allowed; socially, government kept tight control over all aspects of life; economically, the state controlled pricing (Lyons, 2010).
There were some exceptions to the USSR’s giant web of control in Eastern Europe. Yugoslavia is one country that was exempt from the pattern of USSR domination. When Stalin tried to increase Soviet influence over Tito’s regime, he turned to the West for aid. Because of this, Yugoslavia remained independent from both Eastern and Western influences but still remained a Communist country. Finland was able to remain independent from the USSR and also continued as a non-Communist, democratic state. The Finns kept a close relationship with the USSR economically, though, which led Stalin to allow the Finns their independence (Lyons, 2010).
western europe
While the USSR was taking control of Eastern Europe, most of Western Europe was emerging with democratic governments but badly strained economies. For the most part, the United States and Britain allowed Western Europe to handle its own affairs. However, because of this large Communist parties flourished in France and Italy. Greater distress was happening in Greece and Turkey, though, which were plagued with civil war and Soviet demands of border areas being returned to them (Lyons, 2010).
All of this turmoil led to US President Truman to proclaim the Truman Doctrine in early 1947. It was basically the United State’s way of saying they were done with sitting back and watching and were ready to take an active role in preventing Soviet expansion and the spread of Communism. Following this Doctrine was the Marshall Plan which provided over $12 billion in credits and goods to mainly Western European countries but also to Greece and Turkey. As a prerequisite for aid, recipient countries had to cooperate in solving mutual economic problems. As a result, industrial production in Western Europe equaled prewar levels and soon surpassed them in 1951 by 41 percent. This cooperation between Western European countries eventually led to the Common Market in 1957. It also helped Western Europe move steadily towards both economic and political integration which eventually culminated in the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 which created the European Union and the euro (Lyons, 2010).
While most of Eastern Europe’s population was under Soviet and Communist control, Western Europe social structures were mainly plagued with unstable economies and significant civilian losses from the war. With the introduction of the Marshall Plan, economies began to stabilize and morale began to trend upward. However, both the East and West suffered socially from the war in terms of morale and loss of life. It would be hard to forget the millions of lives lost in the War (Lyons, 2010).
All of this turmoil led to US President Truman to proclaim the Truman Doctrine in early 1947. It was basically the United State’s way of saying they were done with sitting back and watching and were ready to take an active role in preventing Soviet expansion and the spread of Communism. Following this Doctrine was the Marshall Plan which provided over $12 billion in credits and goods to mainly Western European countries but also to Greece and Turkey. As a prerequisite for aid, recipient countries had to cooperate in solving mutual economic problems. As a result, industrial production in Western Europe equaled prewar levels and soon surpassed them in 1951 by 41 percent. This cooperation between Western European countries eventually led to the Common Market in 1957. It also helped Western Europe move steadily towards both economic and political integration which eventually culminated in the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 which created the European Union and the euro (Lyons, 2010).
While most of Eastern Europe’s population was under Soviet and Communist control, Western Europe social structures were mainly plagued with unstable economies and significant civilian losses from the war. With the introduction of the Marshall Plan, economies began to stabilize and morale began to trend upward. However, both the East and West suffered socially from the war in terms of morale and loss of life. It would be hard to forget the millions of lives lost in the War (Lyons, 2010).
THE AFTERMATH
Following the liberation of Europe many Jewish survivors feared returning to their homes for fear of the antisemitism that persisted throughout Europe. Those who returned home were met with anger and animosity by their neighbors, the Jewish survivors had reason to fear for their lives. In postwar alone there were a number of violent anti-Jewish riots that occurred where Jews were beaten and killed. So tens of thousands of now homeless Jewish survivors migrated west to other European territories, such as Germany, Austria and Italy, that were liberated by the western Allies (“The Holocaust”, n.d). There the survivors were housed in refugee camps, the refugee camps were administered by the United States, Great Britain, and France. The refugee camps offered rehabilitation and vocational training (“The Aftermath”, n.d).
The largest survivor organization pressed for emigration opportunities, however, in the early years following the liberation of Europe there were quota restrictions that limited or prevented survivors from emigrating to the United States. It wasn’t until December 1945 that President Truman loosened the quota restriction on immigration to the United States by those displaced by the Nazi regime. Once the restriction was lifted more than 41,000 refugees immigrated to the United States, 28,000 were Jews. In 1948, the United State Congress passed the Displaced Persons Act that granted immigrates from January 1949 to December 1952 visas, 68,000 were Jews. The survivor organization also pushed for an independent Jewish state in Palestine. Until the State of Israel was established in May 1948 displaced survivors who attempted to emigrate to Palestine were deported to detention camps on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus by the British authorities. Once the State of Israel was established in 1948 170,000 displaced Jewish refugees immigrated to Israel by 1953 (“The Aftermath” n.d).
The largest survivor organization pressed for emigration opportunities, however, in the early years following the liberation of Europe there were quota restrictions that limited or prevented survivors from emigrating to the United States. It wasn’t until December 1945 that President Truman loosened the quota restriction on immigration to the United States by those displaced by the Nazi regime. Once the restriction was lifted more than 41,000 refugees immigrated to the United States, 28,000 were Jews. In 1948, the United State Congress passed the Displaced Persons Act that granted immigrates from January 1949 to December 1952 visas, 68,000 were Jews. The survivor organization also pushed for an independent Jewish state in Palestine. Until the State of Israel was established in May 1948 displaced survivors who attempted to emigrate to Palestine were deported to detention camps on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus by the British authorities. Once the State of Israel was established in 1948 170,000 displaced Jewish refugees immigrated to Israel by 1953 (“The Aftermath” n.d).