Reply to this Discussion: Minimum 200 Words Post-World War II ✓ Solved

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After World War II, the US military personnel were demobilized; this involved recalling most American soldiers outside the US. The demobilization of soldiers occurred due to public demand, and the soldiers also protested the government's rate was carrying the entire process. By 1947, the number of active US soldiers who were serving outside the country had greatly reduced (Millet and Maslowski ch. 20). The demobilization process was marred by delays because most of the nations where the USA had withdrawn its soldiers experienced a severe shortage of security manpower.

The number of servicemen in the US armed forces reduced drastically. Before the beginning of World War II, there were over 8 million servicemen, but this figure dropped to about 600,000 by 1950. World War II was different from any other war that American soldiers were engaged in because it involved heavy weapons and large bombs, meaning soldiers were at greater risk of losing their lives (Millet and Maslowski ch. 20). There was reduced interaction on the battlefield, and most of the soldiers felt isolated; this was the primary social factor that led to most soldiers quitting the profession after the war.

The demobilization of soldiers significantly reduced the amount that the American government paid to the soldiers to inform wages and salaries. The amount saved would be used to improve the working conditions of the soldiers. Improving the workplace cooled the discontent that was starting to grow among the soldiers and led to their strikes. The number of soldiers that America had lost during the war was large, and some soldiers were also severely wounded, meaning there was the need to reduce the number of soldiers to plan on bringing new fresh servicemen.

The veterans who participated in World War II needed to get some time off from service because they had seen their friends die; simultaneously, the effects of World War II were traumatizing.

World War II greatly impacted the course of history, marking the beginning of the modern era. The post-war era not only brought about changes across the globe but also dramatically changed the US military. Two of the most important changes in the US Armed Forces during the post-war period were the rise of the volunteer force and the integration of women. Throughout many of the larger wars, the draft was implemented to meet the personnel requirements of the military. Particularly during the Vietnam War, draft evasion became a widespread problem, with vulnerable populations often bearing more of the burden of the draft (Millet and Maslowski ch. 16).

However, in 1971, the Nixon administration announced the ending of the draft, and by 1973, conscription was replaced by the All Volunteer Force (Millet and Maslowski ch. 18). While this may have cost the US military in numbers, it resulted in a dedicated force committed to their peers, subordinates, and leaders. Another significant change in the US military in the post-war period was the integration of women into the armed forces. While women had served during World War II as part of the Women’s Army Corps, they were not granted full permanent status as regular members of the military until the passage of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act in 1948.

This act allowed women the opportunity to serve in the military, particularly in administrative positions and health services (Millet and Maslowski ch. 15). With more jobs opening up to women in all services and an increase in recruiting efforts, more women have joined the armed services, with a report in the fiscal year 2018 showing the highest levels of female representation with 16% of active enlisted members and almost 19% of active commissioned officers (Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Personnel and Readiness).

Not only has the integration of women into the US military strengthened numbers as it transitioned to a more volunteer force, but it has also made the military more diverse and inclusive for those who desire to serve their country. The post-World War II era fundamentally changed world politics and everyday life, seeing significant variations within the US military. While technological advancements continue to impact military operations, the two most essential changes to the US Armed Forces were the rising significance of the volunteer force and the integration of women in the military.

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The conclusion of World War II marked a transformational period not only for the United States but also for the global order. The demobilization process led to significant shifts within the US military structure, prompting crucial considerations for the nation’s defense and social fabric. As the US transitioned from wartime to peacetime, the focus shifted towards improving the quality of life for veterans while addressing the needs of the country.

One of the most significant outcomes following World War II was the implementation of the GI Bill. This legislation provided essential support for returning veterans, granting them access to educational benefits and unemployment compensation. The boost to education facilitated the transition of veterans into civilian life, enabling many to pursue higher education and subsequently gain middle-class status (Lumen Learning). This initiative not only transformed individual lives but also positively impacted the American economy by creating a more educated workforce.

Another critical aspect of the post-war evolution of the US military was the abolition of segregation and the integration of women into the armed services. The contributions of African-American soldiers during the war played a vital role in prompting governmental changes towards racial equity. The executive orders enacted post-war to end racial discrimination within the military signified a pivotal moment in American social history, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the armed services (Lumen Learning).

Additionally, the transition to a volunteer force began impacting military organization. Although the number of active-duty enlisted personnel decreased significantly after the war, this shift to an all-volunteer force resulted in a more committed and professional military structure. The implications of this change in recruitment strategies have led to an enduring emphasis on service quality and the cultivation of a skilled military workforce.

Veterans’ experiences from World War II often left psychological scars that mandated a thoughtful approach to military culture. Many veterans faced challenges readjusting to civilian life due to the trauma endured during the war. The government’s response was not only to enhance working conditions for veterans but also to recognize the importance of mental health support for those who served (Millet and Maslowski).

In conclusion, the post-World War II period catalyzed significant changes in the US military and society. The combination of the GI Bill, the integration of minorities and women, and the transition to a volunteer force profoundly impacted American military history. This analysis underscores the necessity of understanding military evolution and its connection to broader societal changes in the wake of global conflict.

References

• Lee, R. Alton. “The Army’ Mutiny’ of 1946.” The Journal of American History, Vol. 53, No. 4, p. 557.
• Lumen Learning. “Social Effects of the War | Boundless US History.” Lumen Learning – Simple Book Production, 2020.
• Lumen Learning. “The Challenges of Peacetime | US History II.” Lumen Learning – Simple Book Production, 2020.
• Millet, Allan R., and Peter Maslowski. For the Common Defense. E-book, Simon & Schuster, 2012.
• Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Personnel and Readiness. Population Representation in the Military Services: Fiscal Year 2018 Summary Report.
• The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, 1948.
• Olson, Keith. The GI Bill: A History of the Post-World War II Veterans’ Educational Program. The University of South Carolina Press, 1974.
• Drew, Elizabeth. The Corrosion of Character: The Personal Consequences of Work in the New Capitalism. New York: Random House, 1999.
• Goldman, Eric. The Crucial Era: 1945-1960. New York: Vintage Books, 1982.
• Wright, Robert. The Evolution of the American Military. New York: HarperCollins, 1995.

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