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anygoal [31]
3 years ago
10

In what ways did the ideals of America provide an ideal to strive for rather than a lived reality?

History
1 answer:
pav-90 [236]3 years ago
3 0
In many ways, the founding of America represented a radical shift in the course of history. Drawing upon classical principles of democracy in ancient Greece and republic in ancient Rome, the founders of America outlined an ideal of government defined by equality and freedom. This is evident in the Declaration of Independence, which states that "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." The constitution later outlines the specific framework and goal of American government, noting that "in Order to form a more perfect Union. establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States." This gives us considerable insight into the initial goals and ideals of America: freedom, liberty, justice, tranquility,and equality. These frameworks also tell us that the founders intended rights to help secure these principles.

The problem with these ideals at the time they were written is that they did not describe the society that was immediately created by these words. Although the words of the founding outlined equality, slavery was still a massive and profitable industry in early America. Another radical ideas of America's founding-- that the people themselves should get a say in governance which would then help secure their rights--was also severely limited to the realm of white men. Women, people of color, and other disadvantaged groups were summarily excluded from democracy.

While this might imply that we should be pessimistic about how American democracy is able to live up to its goals, we should, however, consider the whole span of American history. Although the founding principles of America may be incredibly lofty--so high that they may never be fully realized--America's democracy and the ability of the people to shape government has throughout history helped expand the rights and freedoms for many groups. So while these ideals may never be a lived ideal, democracy gives us a real mechanism to work towards even the loftiest goals of freedom, equality, and liberty for all.
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How did WWII change the nation? 5 body paragraph essay
gavmur [86]

Answer:

you should ask for more points, it's not easy to right such things especially for only 8 points, just a heads up for next time, but here =)

Explanation:

World War II

Seeds of War

The seeds of World War II were sown in the treaties that ended World War I. As a result, dictatorships arose in Germany and Italy. Benito Mussolini led the Fascists in Italy, and Adolph Hitler led the Nazis in Germany. At the same time, a military dictatorship grew in Japan. Although Japan had an Emperor, the country was actually controlled by a military team led by men named Tojo and Yamamoto. Aggression by each of these three countries led to instability among their neighbors, and outright warfare in several areas.

The Lines Are Drawn

During all of these events the League of Nations, forerunner of the United Nations, was powerless to control any of the war-like activities. Governments in Britain and France tried to negotiate through diplomatic channels. But they weren't successful. War finally was declared in Europe when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Germany, Italy and Japan became knows as the Axis powers. After World War II began the opposing countries, including Russia, were called the Allies.

The U.S. Joins the War

The United States entered World War II on December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese had attacked U.S. military and naval bases at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands. Because Japan was considered an Axis power, the U.S. declared war on Japan, Germany and Italy too.

Wartime measures went into effect quickly. There was a draft of young men for the armed services. Rationing was instituted on gasoline, rubber, automobiles, clothing and food. Sale of war bonds to finance the war began. Prices were controlled. Factories were converted to the production of military items such as tanks, rifles, ammunition, airplanes and ships. People on the "Home Front" were encouraged to conserve energy, to plant "Victory Gardens" and to buy war bonds. Adults and children across the country collected salvage materials such as copper, aluminum and scrap iron.

Men and Women Join the Military

This was the first war in which women could serve on active duty. The Women's Army Auxiliary Corp (WAAC), the Women Air force Service Pilots (WASPS) and the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) were three branches of service for women. Families with members in military service hung flags in the front windows of their houses along with a blue star for each member. If a family member was killed in action, a gold star was substituted, leading to the organization of the "Gold Star Mothers."

Workers Help the War Effort

During World War II the induction of young men into the armed forces led to labor shortages at home. Women were employed outside the home in greater numbers than ever before, doing work customarily thought to be "men's work" such as assembly line jobs in factories. This led to a new nickname for these women—"Rosie the Riveter."

Fear at Home

As during any war, there were fears of attack. Many feared bombing by the Japanese. They feared German spies and were alert for subversive talk or action. Even though the danger of air raids was slight, many installed "black-out curtains" for their windows. They held black-out sessions closing off any light to the outside.

Life Was Never the Same Again

World War II ended in 1945. Returning soldiers, called "GIs", came back to a different society where women did all kinds of work, urban jobs outnumbered farm jobs, and where a federal program called the "G.I. Bill" allowed veterans to attend college at government expense. Thousands of veterans received college degrees as a result of this program.

The second world war in the 20th century took its toll on the world and the United States. Those who went to far-reaching areas of the world—far from home—contributed to the war effort firsthand. Many of those individuals returned to their homes and many are still able to share their stories.

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