Key Takeaways
- The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, led to the United States’ declaration of war on Japan and subsequently on Italy and Germany.
- The war was a struggle between fascism and democracy, with the former rejecting equality and the latter promoting it.
- The American military was diverse, with over 1.2 million Black American men and women, 500,000 Latinos, and more than 550,000 Jews serving in the war.
- The war was ultimately won by the Allies, but the struggle for equality and democracy continues to this day.
- The current state of American democracy is under threat from those who believe in a hierarchical society and are chipping away at laws that protect equality.
Introduction to the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The sunny Sunday morning of December 7, 1941, will be forever etched in history as the day of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. Messman Doris Miller, a Black man serving in the U.S. Navy, was on board the USS West Virginia when the first of nine Japanese torpedoes hit the ship. Despite the chaos and confusion, Miller sprang into action, helping to move the mortally wounded captain to shelter and then firing one of the ship’s anti-aircraft guns, despite not having been trained to use it. His bravery and selflessness in the face of danger were a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served in the U.S. military during World War II.
The Rise of Fascism
The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States’ declaration of war on Japan, and subsequently on Italy and Germany. The leaders of these countries, including Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, were proponents of fascism, a ideology that rejected equality and promoted a hierarchical society. Mussolini, who had initially been a socialist, became disillusioned with the movement’s inability to organize people and instead developed a new political theory that emphasized the importance of a strong leader and the suppression of opposition. This ideology inspired others, including Hitler, and soon spread to other countries, posing a significant threat to democracy and equality.
The Struggle for Democracy
The war between the Axis powers and the Allies was ultimately a struggle between fascism and democracy. The United States, led by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was a beacon of democracy, promoting the idea that all men are created equal and have the right to participate in the political process. The American military was diverse, with people from all races and ethnicities serving together to defend their country. The Allies’ ultimate victory was a testament to the power of democracy and the importance of promoting equality and inclusivity.
The Legacy of World War II
The legacy of World War II continues to shape our world today. The war marked a significant turning point in the struggle for equality and democracy, as people from all over the world came together to fight against fascism and promote the values of freedom and justice. However, the struggle is far from over. Today, American democracy is under threat from those who believe in a hierarchical society and are chipping away at laws that protect equality. The current administration, led by President Donald J. Trump, has abandoned the principles of democracy and is openly embracing a system that promotes the interests of a small elite at the expense of the majority.
The Threat to American Democracy
The threat to American democracy is real and pressing. The current administration has fired women, Black Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ Americans from positions in the government and the military, and has erased them from official histories. They have seized, incarcerated, and deported immigrants, and have sent federal agents and federal troops into Democratic-led cities to terrorize the people living there. They have traded the rule of law for the rule of Trump, weaponizing the Department of Justice against those they perceive as enemies, pardoning loyalists convicted of crimes, and executing those they declare are members of drug cartels without evidence, charges, or trials. This is a clear rejection of the values of equality and democracy that America fought for in World War II.
The Importance of Standing Up for Democracy
In the face of this threat, it is more important than ever for Americans to stand up for democracy and promote the values of equality and inclusivity. People like Doris Miller, who refused to let the attack on Pearl Harbor go unchallenged, are an inspiration to us all. Miller’s bravery and selflessness in the face of danger are a testament to the power of individual action and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. As we look to the future, it is clear that the struggle for democracy and equality is far from over. But with courage, determination, and a commitment to the values of freedom and justice, we can overcome any obstacle and build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.