World War II - Minorities and POWs VUS.11c - describing the role of all-minority military units, including the Tuskegee Airmen and Nisei regiments. VUS.11d - examining the Geneva Convention and the treatment of prisoners of war during World War II. VUS.11e - analyzing the Holocaust (Hitler’s “final solution”), its impact on Jews and other groups, and the postwar trials of war criminals.

Minorities in WWII African Americans Served in segregated military units Often assigned noncombat roles Demanded right to serve in combat instead of support roles

All-minority units World War II solidified the nation’s role as a global power, ushered in social changes, and established reform agendas that would preoccupy public discourse in the United States for the remainder of the twentieth century. Tuskegee Airmen All black unit Served in Europe with distinction Nisei regiments All Asian units Earned a high number of decorations

Native Americans Navajo Code Talkers Communication codes of the Navajo were used Language was not written, entirely oral Impossible for Japanese to break

Additional Contributions Mexican Americans Served in non-segregated units Minority units suffered high casualties Why do you think? Won numerous individual medals and units receive recognition

Geneva Convention The conduct of war often reflect the social and moral codes of a nation The Geneva Convention attempted to ensure the humane treatment of prisoners of war by establishing rules to be followed by all nations. The treatment of prisoners of war often reflects the savage nature of conflict and the cultural norms of a nation.

POWs The treatment of prisoners of war in the Pacific Theater often reflected the savagery of the fighting there. In the Bataan Death March, American POWs suffered brutal treatment by the Japanese after surrender of the Philippines. Japanese soldiers often committed suicide rather than surrender. The treatment of prisoners of war in Europe more closely followed the ideas of the Geneva Convention.

The Holocaust Genocide: The systematic and purposeful destruction of a racial, political, religious, or cultural group Final solution: Germany’s decision to exterminate all Jews Affected Groups Jews Poles Slavs Gypsies “Undesirables” (homosexuals, the mentally ill, political dissidents)

Nuremberg Trials In the Nuremberg trials, Nazi leaders and others were convicted of war crimes. The Nuremberg trials emphasized individual responsibility for actions during a war, regardless of orders received. The trials led to increased demand for a Jewish homeland.