14 - To Make the World Anew

1 14. To Make the World Anew Making the Nazi-Soviet Pact What about the Soviet Union ? Where does it situate in relation to the “fascist international” ? What’re the consequences of the Nazi-Soviet Pact ? The Fall of France and Battle for Britain The origins of WW2 in Europe and the fall in France. The debate in Britain over whether to continue the war. Winston Churchill’s grand strategy. The Battles of Britain Three stages of struggle for Britain: (i) the Battle of Britain; (ii) the Blitz; and (iii) the Battle of the Atlantic. Remaking The U.S. Government For War FDR during 1940 prepares the U.S. government for war. What’re the key political and institutional steps that he takes. The Destroyers-For-Bases Deal The destroyers-for-bases deal of September 1940. What’s FDR’s rationale ? What’re the objections ? Is he taking advantage of Britain ? America First: The Politics Of Isolationism What is “isolationism” in the context of 1940-41 ? What’s the ideological composition (are “isolationists” pro-fascist) ? The Election Of 1940 The world war and the election of 1940. How does FDR position himself, and what’re the consequences of his successful reelection for foreign policy ? FDR's “Arsenal Of Democracy” Strategy FDR’s “Arsenal of Democracy” speech and strategy. What is FDR trying to accomplish ? What does the speech tell us about the sources and limitations of US strength in the world of 1940-41 ? The Undeclared Atlantic War U.S. involvement in an undeclared battle for the Atlantic during 1941. To what extent are the U.S. and Germany at war before Pearl Harbor ? The Opening Of The Eastern Front Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union in July 1941. How to explain ? What are the consequences ? For WW2 ? For US foreign policy ? Making the Atlantic Charter The Atlantic Charter of 1941. Meaning ? Significance ? Interpretations ? Is the Atlantic Charter a basis for a new postwar order ? Japan’s Bid For Empire Why does Japan turn away from the continental war (for China) and towards a maritime war