Questions to Ponder
1. According to Zinn, what truly brought America into WWII?
2. In 1945, a State Department officer mentioned that this resource has historically played a larger role in US foreign affairs than any other resource or idea. What is this resource? Provide two pieces of evidence that Zinn provides based on this statement.
3. Describe the treatment of African Americans during WWII.
4. Explain the meaning of the "Draftee's Prayer."
5. How did the role of women change during WWII?
6. Explain three pieces of evidence that Zinn provides relating to the treatment of Japanese Americans.
7. Why did the US bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki, according to Zinn?
8. Would the Japanese have surrendered if the US had not dropped the bombs? Provide two pieces of evidence.
9. What was Japan not willing to give up in unconditional surrender and why?
10. Why did the US drop the second bomb, according to Zinn?
2. In 1945, a State Department officer mentioned that this resource has historically played a larger role in US foreign affairs than any other resource or idea. What is this resource? Provide two pieces of evidence that Zinn provides based on this statement.
3. Describe the treatment of African Americans during WWII.
4. Explain the meaning of the "Draftee's Prayer."
5. How did the role of women change during WWII?
6. Explain three pieces of evidence that Zinn provides relating to the treatment of Japanese Americans.
7. Why did the US bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki, according to Zinn?
8. Would the Japanese have surrendered if the US had not dropped the bombs? Provide two pieces of evidence.
9. What was Japan not willing to give up in unconditional surrender and why?
10. Why did the US drop the second bomb, according to Zinn?
The Decision to Drop the Bomb
1. Examine this reading about the decision to drop the bomb.
2. OPVL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/truman-hiroshima/
3. Watch this short video of Truman.
4. Review Zinn's comments on the bombings.
5. How do these sources differ? Compare? Imagine that you have the opportunity to ask Truman two questions about this decision. What would you ask him?
6. This movie is long, but is worth your time. View 15-20 minutes. The Children of Hiroshima
2. OPVL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/truman-hiroshima/
3. Watch this short video of Truman.
4. Review Zinn's comments on the bombings.
5. How do these sources differ? Compare? Imagine that you have the opportunity to ask Truman two questions about this decision. What would you ask him?
6. This movie is long, but is worth your time. View 15-20 minutes. The Children of Hiroshima