World Wars: Role of the US
Differences
Similarities
The neutrality of the US was sunk, resulting in this country joining the wars
At the beginning of both wars, the US remained neutral
The US was part of the Allied powers
Reasons for involvement
Post-war role
World War I
World War II
Although the US played a role in shaping the Treaty of Versailles, it did not enter the League of Nations, which limited American influence in world events
The US was a founding member of the United Nations, a organization that replaced the failed League of Nations
The US played a significant role on the course of both wars since American soldiers participated in major battles and contributed to victory
American industries produced supplies not only for US troops, but also for nations at war
D-Day (on June 6, 1944)
Impact on homefront
Since many white men went to war, women began to work at jobs they had not tried before
Roosevelt and Churchill agreed on the Atlantic Charter, whose aim was to restore peace
World War I
World War II
Sinking of the "Lusitania" before the war and the interception of the Zimmermann telegram that the German government sent to Mexico's government so as to propose a military alliance
1917
Germany sent U-boats after American cargo ships and called on its ally Mexico to invade the US
December 1941
A surprise attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by Japanese warplanes
Propaganda also promoted patriotism in the US and developed a negative image of the enemy