The Lasting Impact of World War II
ASSIGNMENT
During World War II, communities, families, and nations were torn apart and destroyed by warfare, political policies, and relocation, among other factors. The effects of wartime devastation and atrocities inspired survivors to look for ways to keep the peace, or at least resist outside aggression. Since the end of World War II, the world has witnessed the formation of global regulatory committees, globalization, and continued advances in technology and science, all affecting the way people live. In some ways the world has come together; in others, it has come apart as nations continue to build alliances and, at the same time, fight wars.
During the final week of this course you will reflect on the world you live in today as it has been shaped by the events of World War II.
To prepare for this Reflection:
Review the Lukacs reading in this week’s Learning Resources.
Reflect upon current local and global events, as well as your own personal stories, and consider how they relate to World War II.
Consider how one or more of the following elements of World War II continue to have an impact on you and your community, and the way you live your life today:
Scientific and technological innovations, OR
International alliances, OR
Political policies, OR
Economic policies, OR
Social and cultural influences
Specific examples of these elements may be the Holocaust, the formation of NATO, the rebuilding of Europe, the multiple transitions of Russia, relationships between Asian countries, international cultural influences, globalization, or others that you identify.
Think about how your grandparents’ lives were shaped by World War II. How has their life shaped your life?
Reflect on how post-World War II events and developments have contributed to your life.
The assignment:
Compose a 2- to 3-page essay in which you do the following:
Evaluate how the world you live in has been shaped by one of the following elements of World War II:
Scientific and technological innovations, OR
International alliances, OR
Political policies, OR
Economic policies, OR
Social and cultural influence
