Continuing our look at the events and themes of the Second World War, For Discus

Continuing our look at the events and themes of the Second World War, For Discussion Board #4, write three (3) posts where you address any of the following four questions and/or reply to another student. So after posting a response to one of the four questions, you may then write your next two post either answering any of the remaining three questions or replying to other student posts. Write these posts with your own ideas and what you learned from the online lectures, but for #4 you need to watch the online lecture “The Pacific War – Part Two” to learn about Hiroo Onoda.
Here are the questions you can address:
For World War II buffs, what is your favorite battle from the war and why? Or what battle do you believe truly changed the tide and direction of the war? To answer this post, summarize what happened in the battle, whether in the European or Pacific Theater, any famous personalities or occurrences, and the significance you ascribe to this battle. You may also include any interesting facts about the battle the captivates your attention. Other students may reply to your post with support for your choice or offer a different battle to propose.
Although mostly political and military leaders like Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and others receive the most attention as heroes from World War II, who else do you believe constitutes an unsung, underrated, or simply obscure hero from that war? What individual truly never gets recognition for his or her valuable contribution to the war. For this post, avoid discussing military figures and politicians but rather focus on these people: Is it a freedom fighter? A scientist? A humanitarian? A spy or saboteur? An industrialist or bureaucrat? Or just a simple ordinary individual who does something extraordinary? Write/Share as much detail as you can about the individual and his or her significance and contribution.
No other military decision of the 20th century has been hotly debated as President Harry Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Many claim it was a necessary action to end the war quickly, save lives, and prevent a catastrophic mainland invasion of Japan. Others believe it was a terrible almost inhumane decision. They cite that Japan’s surrender was imminent, that a naval blockade of Japan would have been better to induce surrender or even claiming the bomb’s use to gain leverage with and frighten the Soviets as the Cold War began. Other views include opposing the bomb’s use on moral grounds, particularly unleashing a weapon where thousands died horrible, imaginable deaths. Others claim it was a necessary evil, a gamble that paid off because history would never have forgiven Truman if he had not used it. Thus, we would have reaped the blood soaked pages of history from a mainland invasion. So as you can see, there are some many opinions on this question. Offer your own reasoned and substantive thoughts on the atomic bomb’s use. You may also disagree with other opinions by countering with your own arguments, but keep everything civil and on point.
When thinking about the life of Hiroo Onoda discussed at the end of online lecture “The Pacific War – Part Two,” comment on what you believe Onoda’s life best represents – true devoted patriotism or irrational fanaticism? How does his life story reflect the aspects of extreme nationalism within the 20th century?
Here are your instructions and criteria for this Discussion Board:
You must have three (3) separate posts. Each post is worth five (5) points each for a total of 15 points for Discussion Board #4.
Provide insightful and well-reasoned support in your posts. Show serious reflection of thought.
Each written post should be between 75-150 words. You may write more, but don’t be excessive; don’t write less than this word minimum; this word range should be enough to develop your ideas concisely.
Remember don’t copy and paste material from the internet. Your posts must be your own original writing.
Keep in mind that you must post first before seeing other classmates’ posts. To begin your post, point and click on Reply and a text box will appear. Then after you have reviewed what you written, then you can click Post Reply. Then you’ll be able to read your classmates’ posts.
Remember to follow the rules of civility and proper academic conduct in your posts. Avoid vulgarity, rudeness, and insensitive language. You may disagree with someone in a reply, but be respectful. And above all else, DO NOT PERSONALLY ATTACK anyone for their views.
You may write as many posts as you like, but the maximum points for Discussion Board #4 is 15 points.