America History From 1920 to 1970, Essay Example

World War II had a major impact on the United States because the country’s intervention in Europe essentially reversed its policy of neutrality in foreign affairs. Although the war officially occurred between 1939 and 1945, the conflicts that initiated the fighting stemmed primarily from the results of World War I. Thus, tensions had been in place approximately 20 years before the first battle. The United States became involved with this conflict when the Japanese military initiated an attack on Pearl Harbor, a United States Navy base, in 1941. The increased involvement of the United States in collaboration with the allies helped end the war four years later.

The United States became involved in the war for a variety of reasons which were partially political and partially humanitarian. The allies had been calling for the country’s assistance, but since the nation was relatively new, it felt that its interests were best protected by remaining uninvolved. However, it was impossible for the United States to ignore the conflict when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the axis forces. This reinforced the concept of the crimes against humanity that were occurring in Europe, and encouraged the United States to partner with the democratic nations of the continent in order to protect innocent people. Furthermore, this involvement contributed to an advanced standing for the country in light of trade and political partnerships with other nations following the war.

The end of World War II also marked the beginning of the United States as the world’s political leader. To avoid similar conflicts in the future, it called for the establishment of the United Nations in order to seek collaboration regarding the problems that plague the world. Although this council has shifted over the years, it operates as an excellent way for countries across the world to discuss their problems and negotiate solutions. While few international laws exist, the council is also responsible for determine what to do when citizens from one country commit crimes in another and the like.

World War II was particularly important to me as a Chinese person because the history between America’s involvement in the war and China’s involvement in the war is linked. China helped the United States end the war after it entered due to the country’s strategic location in respect to Japan. In 1944, the Chinese fought the Japanese out of their own lands and Burma, while the allies removed Japanese forces from the Western Pacific Islands. Furthermore, when the war ended, China was interested in maintaining world peace. Thus, it became one of the first member countries in the United Nations (The United Nations Foundation).

Although the aftermath of the war is important because it helped bring modern relations between the United States and China closer today, China had reason to participate in the war against Japan following World War II. In 1937, Japan captured Beijing following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War (Barrett &Shyu 45). This war ended along with World War II in 1945. Thus, China was sympathetic when it had learned that the United States had been attacked by Japanese forces as well. The country felt increasingly motivated to remove these forces from their territory in order to benefit the well-being of the rest of the world.

Although China had initially cooperated with Germany following World War I and prior to World War II, the country joined the side of the allies when the Soviet Union provided them with tools to defend themselves against the Japanese. By the time that World War II had begun however, it seemed that the chances of survival for the Chinese were bleak because thousands had been killed in the conflict. China officially became involved in World War II in 1941, despite its continued involvement in fighting against Japan. It appeared that Japan increased its attack against China in response to the United States’ trade treaty with the country for gasoline. Therefore, it became pressured to take over the city of Changsha, though this was not successful. To retain dominance, Japan blocked a majority of China’s trade routes.

Since China had been suffering a financial crises due to the lack of resources it had due to Japan’s actions, the United States, in addition to Britain and the Netherlands, discussed that they would not hesitate to attack Japan if they continued their attacks against their neighboring countries. During this time, the Japanese asked the United States to provide them with oil to decrease tension between the two nations. In return, the country asked that they remove their forces from China. However, the two nations did not see eye to eye on this conflict, which led to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

It is interesting that the United States defended China despite their opposing government systems. However, China was treated very poorly by the Japanese and the United States and allied European countries believed it was necessary to intervene. When Japan refused to leave, the United States supported China by declaring war on Japan. This action helped save many Chinese citizens and contributed to the shared bond between these two countries today. Even though political views are not shared, they will continue to have a positive business relationship for a long time.

Works Cited

Barrett, David P.; Shyu, Lawrence N. China in the Anti-Japanese War, 1937–1945: Politics, Culture and Society. New York, NY: Peter Lang, 2001.

The United Nations Foundation. The UN Security Council. N.D. Web. 30 July 2014.