Cold War=Mass Confusion

Okay, I belive the main social cause of the Cold War was the fear of Communism. I don't even think people considered the positives and negatives of Communism, there was just this mass fear of the "Red" USSR and the Communism that it advocated. Politically I believe the main cause was the fact that both the USSR and the U.S. wanted to spread there political ideology over as much of the world as possible. The two competing political systems were undoubtedly going to butt heads. For the main economic reason, I believe this has to do with resources. It was assumed that whatever political system a country chose (Communism or Democracy), it would ally with the main proponent of that system (USSR or U.S. Then the resources as well as trading opportunities would be opened for that ally. I think that both the USSR and the U.S. are responsible for the Cold War. I think the main overall cause of the Cold War stems simply from two completely different political ideas. Both the U.S. and the USSR were incredibly powerful countries who had the ability to spread their influence around the world. The fact that these two countries disagreed on such a monumental issue made the Cold War unavoidable. Both sides used shady tactics to get what they wanted all over the world.

What was Hitler's Deal?

In class, we have been discussing mistakes made by Hitler towards the end of the war.  Although it seemed painfully obvious that the Germany was going to lose, he continued to demand attacks in favor of trying to defend the homeland.  Hitler insisted on holding on to Sweden for its iron ore and the Baltic States for the U-boat training grounds there even though these areas would have no effect on whether Germany won or lost by 1944.  He then demanded an attack on the allies in the West late in 1944, which cost him what little reserves Germany had left.  These would all appear to be very stupid moves when the big picture of the war is looked at.  It surely would have been better to withdraw back into Germany to defend the homeland.  But was this Hitler being stupid, or did he just have no alternative in mind other than a complete and total German victory?  Going on the defensive did nothing for Hitler as his dream was world domination.  To retreat into Germany was admitting defeat and that was not an option.  So tell me what you guys think; was Hitler stupid? Or were his moves those of desperation?

BLITZKRIEG!!! Prezi

http://prezi.com/8wes4wzenjhq/blitzkrieg/

I Got This

During the 1920's and 1930's, there was a significant rise in Totalitarian governments around the world.  I think this was caused mainly do to the fact that people need stability.  After WWI and again during the Great Depression, countries around the world were in chaos.  People needed somebody, anybody to believe in.  This allowed a strong willed individual to completely take control.  All anybody had to do to gain support was sound in control.  The people NEEDED a leader and they will take any they can get, good or bad.

Why can't we be logical?

President Woodrow Wilson had some great ideas at the end of WWI that would have saved the world a lot of trouble if only it had listened.  Unfortunately, he was ignored.  Why?  I mean even just from a logic standpoint, his fourteen points with the League of Nations were a great idea.  Did the American public really just want to be done with the war so bad that they would just take any solution?  If that's the case, it is incredibly ironic that the very reason for not joining the League of Nations was to keep out of a future European war that the U.S. would end up getting into anyway in WWII.  It's so frustrating.

Thank You WWII Combat Soldiers

Reading The Deadly Brotherhood gave me a good sense of what it was like on the field of battle for combat soldiers during WWII.  This book goes in depth, talking about the food, and conditions (both good and bad) experienced by these brave men.  The only thing the movies show is glory on the battlefield, men going above and beyond to do the impossible.  This book tells the whole story of the WWII combat soldier, which involved little or no glory.  It tells the real story.  Overall a great read and I am glad to have read it

Everything is a mess and I can fix it

Totalitarian governments became a craze during the 1930's.  Russia, Germany, and many others jumped on the terrible totalitarian bandwagon.  But why did this type of government became such a craze?  WWI is to blame.  The devestation provided by the war, coupled with the world wide depressions that insued during the late late 20's to early 30's left many countries lacking in strong leadership and direction.  This allowed storng willed individuals to take control, promising stability and a rise to greatness.  People just wanted someone to believe in.  This need for leadership allowed intense leaders to arise and create totalitarian governments.  In times of need finding any and I mean any leader may not be the best decision