UNIT 3 PORTFOLIO OUTLINE

World War II

I. Introduction
The united states in constantly evolving and growing in number. New citizens from
foreign countries are welcomed almost daily and expected to be a law abiding citizen.
One of the key components of becoming an American citizen is knowing the rich history
and background of the country and understanding its importance. One of the most
influential events in history is World War II, and its effects are still seen to this day.

II. Body
A. World War II introduced the world to the fear of nuclear war.
1. The Manhattan Project was a government operated mission to test
America’s first nuclear bomb in preparation for possible action against
Japan. Nuclear weaponry was suspected in the late 1930’s with nazi
Germany, but only in 1945 was the first nuclear bomb successfully tested
in the US.
2. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki displayed the weapon’s damage
and brought concerns over whether or not other countries could get their
hands on such a powerful weapon. This began an arms race with the
Soviet Union leading up to the cold war, but it was evidently caused by
the aftermath of World War II. This fear of nuclear weapons is still seen
today It is important that citizens learn of this event to understand what led
to the cold war and just how nuclear weaponry came to be such a threat.
B. World War II showed that democracy is effective.
1. During World War II there were many concerns about communism and
suspicions over who is going to turn to this method for help. Nazi
Germany and the tensions with the Soviet Union brought forth a new form
of prevention called containment. There were people that doubted the
effectiveness of democracy and suggested that a dictatorship would be
more capable of handling and running things. The results of World War II
showed the world that communism does not solve problems, and if
anything causes more.
2. People in Italy and Germany turned to communism in their time of need,
and thus began the downfall of both. People were unhappy with the way
things were and wanted change, and in turn looked towards the
communists that promised to bring it. Hitler is a perfect example of how
communism can be persuasive and misleading.
 C. World War II led into the Cold War and increased tensions with the Soviet
Union
1. Upon the appearance of the US’s nuclear bomb, the Soviet Union grew
competitive. Tensions were already high between the US and Soviets due
to differing types of leadership and beliefs, but the results of WWII failed
to bring peace. President Roosevelt tried to maintain post war peace by
forming an alliance with the Soviet Union and discussing the
internationalization of inland waterways (where wars have taken place)
but the Soviet leader, Stalin, refused. This caused a rather furious
disagreement between the two shed light on their different views.
2. The disagreement with the Soviet Union had unleashed an arms race with
nuclear weaponry. The Soviet Union began to back communist practices
ie. taking over Turkey and threatened the US if they were to become
actively involved. This event is crucial to understand what underlying
tensions between Russia remain to this day.

III. Conclusion
War has always been a large part of history and has left its mark on society. New US citizens
must understand the importance of wars and learn from mistakes made, especially those
addressed in World War II. In order to properly work and participate in politics, knowledge of
nuclear weaponry and the consequences that come from it is just as important as knowing of the
tensions between the US and Russia. An understanding of the government and how it works is
crucial when identifying the effectiveness and history that ties along with it.