You will need to write an essay no shorter than 1000 words that answers the following question:
“Was World War II a ‘Good War’?” say must include Antifa and Richard Nixon

In other words, you’ll be discussing the idea that World War II was a “good war,” or a morally just conflict with clear “good guys” and clear “bad guys.”

You will NOT need to do outside research for this essay. All of the sources you need will be provided for you below. There are both sources that you have read before and sources that you have not read just yet. A piece of good advice: Read them all again with the main question in mind.

Here are the sources you must use in your essay:

https://youtu.be/bn20oXFrxxg

https://youtu.be/sy9rGAO-qfc?si=4iNf4Jcs2GCTLlon

https://www.americanyawp.com/reader/24-world-war-ii/a-phillip-randolph-and-franklin-roosevelt-on-racial-discrimination-in-the-defense-industry-1941/

https://www.wikiart.org/en/norman-rockwell/rosie-the-riveter-1943

https://www.americanyawp.com/reader/24-world-war-ii/aiko-herzig-yoshinaga-on-japanese-internment-1942-1994/

https://www.americanyawp.com/reader/24-world-war-ii/harry-truman-announcing-the-atomic-bombing-of-hiroshima-1945/

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Question and Key Concepts

Before you start writing, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what is being asked. The essay prompt asks you to evaluate whether World War II was a “Good War.” This means you’re being asked to analyze whether World War II was a morally justified war with clear divisions between right and wrong, or if it was more complex than that.

In this context, the term “Good War” refers to the idea that the Allied powers were fighting for a just cause, with the Nazis and Axis powers being the indisputable “bad guys.” You are required to think critically about this characterization and support your argument with historical evidence.

The inclusion of terms like Antifa and Richard Nixon indicates that you should consider how different groups and individuals viewed the war. Antifa, a far-left political movement, was formed in opposition to fascism and Nazi ideology, and Richard Nixon, later the 37th President of the United States, had his own views and roles during the war and in the Cold War period that may shed light on how the war was perceived after the fact.

Step 2: Start with a Strong Introduction

Your introduction should do several things:

Introduce the question: Begin by paraphrasing the essay prompt in your own words. Let the reader know that you will be exploring whether World War II was truly a “Good War.”
Present your thesis: Clearly state your stance on the question. Do you believe WWII was a “Good War”? Or do you think the concept of a “Good War” oversimplifies the complexity of global conflicts? This is your argument, and it will guide the rest of your essay.

Example: “While World War II is often celebrated as a ‘Good War,’ with clear moral divisions between the Allies and the Axis Powers, a deeper analysis reveals that this view may overlook complex ethical dilemmas and post-war consequences.”
Briefly outline your key points: This sets the reader’s expectations for the structure of your essay.

Example: “In this essay, I will analyze the portrayal of World War II as a moral struggle by considering perspectives from political movements like Antifa, examining Richard Nixon’s wartime actions, and reflecting on the broader consequences of the war.”

Step 3: Build the Body of Your Essay

The body of your essay should consist of multiple paragraphs that each cover a specific point. Here’s how to structure the body:

Paragraph 1: The Case for WWII as a “Good War”

Start by discussing the common portrayal of WWII as a “Good War.” Highlight why it is seen this way by many, particularly the clear-cut morality of defeating Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Fascist Italy.

Discuss moral clarity: Emphasize how WWII is often seen as a fight against tyranny, genocide, and fascism. The Allies were fighting to stop the Holocaust, preserve democracy, and defend human rights. These are generally seen as noble causes.
Mention the role of Antifa: Antifa, as an antifascist movement, represents a significant group that views the war in this light. Antifa groups originated in the 1930s in Europe in response to the rise of fascism, and today, they continue to promote anti-fascist values. You can discuss how Antifa sees WWII as a crucial struggle against fascist ideologies and why this aligns with the view of WWII as a “Good War.”

Paragraph 2: The Complexity of WWII: Was it Always a “Good War”?

While there’s no doubt that WWII was fought against some of the most oppressive regimes in history, it’s important to recognize the complexities of war. Even wars that are seen as just can involve moral ambiguity, and this is where you can introduce counterarguments.

Discuss the darker aspects of the war: Address issues like the bombing of civilian populations, particularly in Japan (Hiroshima and Nagasaki). Was it morally justified to drop atomic bombs on civilian centers? What about the treatment of Japanese-American citizens in the United States during the war?
Nixon’s role: Richard Nixon, as a young politician during the war, later played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the post-war world. You could briefly discuss his stance on WWII and the Cold War. Nixon’s actions during the war, including his support for the war in the Pacific, add complexity to the narrative of WWII being purely good.

Paragraph 3: Post-War Consequences and the Legacy of WWII

Here, you’ll shift focus to the aftermath of WWII. Even if the war itself had moral clarity, the consequences could be seen in a different light.

The Cold War: Discuss how WWII led directly to the Cold War. This was a period of ideological struggle between the U.S. (and its allies) and the Soviet Union. The two superpowers engaged in a decades-long standoff, marked by proxy wars and the threat of nuclear annihilation. Did WWII truly solve the world’s problems, or did it create new, equally dangerous ones?
Antifa’s role post-war: Antifa’s ideology continued to be shaped by the war and its aftermath. Discuss how WWII influenced the rise of global antifascist movements during the Cold War, especially in Europe, and how these movements questioned the post-war order.
The lasting impact on Nixon’s policies: Nixon’s views were heavily influenced by the outcomes of WWII. His presidency was shaped by the need to navigate the Cold War and address the fallout from WWII. Consider how Nixon’s policies, such as his approach to the Vietnam War, reflect the continuing complexity of the post-WWII world.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion: Was WWII a “Good War”?

In your conclusion, you should summarize your argument and restate your thesis, now that you’ve explored the topic in-depth.

Review the points you’ve made: Recap the complexity of WWII, pointing out the moral clarity of the Allied cause, the darker aspects of the war, and the complex legacy that followed.
Address the “Good War” myth: Consider whether WWII can still be seen as a simple “Good War” or if the narrative should be more nuanced. You could argue that while WWII was morally justified in many ways, the aftermath and the way history has been shaped by figures like Richard Nixon complicate this idea.
Final thought: End by suggesting how WWII has been romanticized and why it’s important to acknowledge both the positive and negative aspects of the conflict in order to learn from history.

Step 4: Final Editing and Refining

Once you’ve completed your essay, take some time to revise it. Here are some key things to focus on during your revision:

Ensure clarity: Go through your essay and make sure each paragraph flows logically into the next. Each idea should support your thesis, and your argument should be easy to follow.
Check your evidence: Even though you aren’t required to do outside research, ensure that the sources you’re provided with are integrated effectively. Re-read them with the question in mind and ensure they support your arguments.
Polish your language: Look for areas where you can improve your language. Avoid repetition, make sure your sentences are concise, and eliminate any awkward phrasing.
Proofread for grammar and spelling: Finally, make sure your essay is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

By following this structured guide, you’ll be able to tackle your assignment in a focused, organized way. Remember, the goal is not just to argue whether WWII was a “Good War” but to engage with the complexities of history and to think critically about the implications of labeling such a monumental conflict in simplistic terms.

The post American history appeared first on Skilled Papers.