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Essay Question
Final Examination
World War Two in the Pacific
Answer both questions.
The Final Exam is on December 15th at 3PM
1. The victory of the United States and
its Allies over Japan in World War Two resulted largely from the
modification of accepted norms of military practice and the adoption of
innovative techniques to meet the needs of fighting a war in the jungles and
on the islands of the Western Pacific. These innovations included
changes in personnel, the development of new tactics, the construction of
new equipment, and the adoption of improved or new weapons.
Demonstrate the validity of this statement by citing specific examples.
2. Some regard World War II as a
"dehumanizing experience" that affected both victor and vanquished alike.
Scholars cite such evidence as the adoption of unrestricted submarine
warfare, low-level incendiary carpet bombing, the dropping of atomic bombs
unannounced on two Japanese cities, the refusal of the United States to
abandon unconditional surrender, the fanatical defense put up by the
Japanese, and the use of Kamikaze aircraft. Do you accept or refute
the assertion that the war was a "dehumanizing experience?" Do you
believe the United States should be held accountable for its actions during
World War II? Was the United States justified in the techniques it
used to defeat Japan? |