War Comparisons

Adam KahoraAmerican Lit II

Professor Ritter-Guth

• While attending Delaware Valley College, I had the chance to travel to Washington DC on Veterans Day in 2007 to speak with war veterans from Vietnam, WWI, WWII, and The Korean War. The photos seen were taken myself while experiencing many

of the monuments. American History and Government classes provided me with great knowledge and background as to how our country developed overtime.

(Disregard date on pictures)

World War ICauses

~Rise of European Nationalism ~Industrial Revolution~Rise of Germany’s World Power~Alliances Form~Was known as “The war of

Artillery”~First war with mass armies and

trench warfare

US Entry into War• The United States took

action upon Germany after the country sank the lusitania, a US passenger ship

• The citizens of the US were behind the troops and supported their early entry into the war.

• In April 1917, the US declared war on Germany.

World War II• WWII was accepted even

more because the US reached victory over enemy countries.

• The war provided jobs for many citizens. Goods and services were needed for the troops.

• There was a definable victory, and a definable end.

• 300,000 Americans died – 11,000,000 Russians died.

• This war ended The Great Depression because it jump started the economy for goods and services.

Vietnam• War between North Vietnam

(communist) and South Vietnam• United States entered war to

prevent North Vietnam from making South Vietnam communists.

• American citizens did not stand behind soldiers and did not support the war.

• Upon return home of soldiers, citizens gave them nicknames such as “baby killers”, and other very offensive names.

• US failed to achieve objective.• Vietnam War was a very disputable

time period.• Counter-culture started to become

more popular (The acceptance of norms and behavior of a cultural group)

Vietnam Continued• Many battled readjustment and

psychological problems upon arrival back to the US.

• Vet Centers were formed to help soldiers adhere to the culture in the country.

• To this day, debates still occur over the war and if the US had any right intervening in Vietnam.

Arrival Home

• Accepted and Praised-WWI, WWII

• Protested Heavily- Vietnam War

Relation to Literature• In The Jelly Bean, written by Fitzgerald, Jim

returns home from war. He was lost in society and didn’t know what to do with his life. Fitzgerald describes Jim upon his arrival home. “When the war was over he came home. He was twenty-one, his trousers were too short and too tight. His buttoned shoes were long and narrow. His tie was an alarming conspiracy of purple and pink marvelously scrolled, and over it were two blue eyes faded like a piece of very good old cloth long exposed to the sun.”

Relation to Literature• Even though this was written before Vietnam, I

believe this relates to it. Many soldiers came home, just like Jim, and were still in need of psychological help. Soldiers may appear to be fine, but deep down, the war still haunts them.

• The information used for this project came from notes taken by Adam Kahora at Delaware Valley College. (American History and Government)