The U.S. Enters WWII | America: The Story of Us (S1, E10) | Full Episode

The United States, thrust into World War II, leverages its industrial power to create a formidable war machine capable of fighting on two fronts. The Great Depression ends as war drives industry into overdrive. In 1941, the US joins the Allies to confront the Axis powers. This leads to mass production of weapons, rations, and medical supplies on an unprecedented scale. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, marks a shocking moment in American history and a treacherous beginning to America's involvement in the war. The Japanese Zero fighter's capabilities and the strategic use of surprise attacks are highlighted, as well as the significance of radar technology, which would later become pivotal in modern warfare and surveillance.

Lieutenant Kermit Tyler dismisses radar observations of incoming aircraft, assuming them to be American B-17s, reflecting the US military's underestimation of radar technology. The British had been using radar since 1935, but the US military was less vigilant. The radar's limitations, such as its inability to penetrate Hawaii's mountains, allowed the Japanese to evade detection. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was meticulously planned and executed, resulting in significant American casualties and damage to the fleet. The event marked a turning point, rallying the American public and leading to rapid industrial and military mobilization. The war also catalyzed social changes, with women like Peggy Blakey entering the workforce and contributing significantly to the war effort, which would later influence the feminist movement.

The Jeep, a general-purpose vehicle designed for the war, symbolizes American manufacturing prowess. Its low profile, durability, and ability to carry multiple passengers or equipment made it an indispensable tool in WWII. The Jeep's design allowed for quick production, with the US manufacturing three Jeeps every four minutes by the end of the war. The vehicle's versatility and the mass production capabilities of the American industry were significant factors in the country's wartime success. The Jeep's popularity also contributed to the post-war boom in consumer goods and the rise of the SUV culture in America.

The war effort required a massive industrial output, leading to the production of tanks, ships, rifles, and bullets in record numbers. The workforce included a significant number of women, who played a crucial role in manufacturing the machinery of war. The dangerous nature of war production is illustrated by the experiences of women like Peggy Blakey, who worked in a munitions factory, facing hazardous conditions that claimed many lives. The war also led to a significant economic shift, with a substantial increase in tax returns and consumer spending, reflecting the transformative impact of the war on American society and the economy.

The narrative shifts to the strategic bombing campaign conducted by the US during WWII, highlighting the evolution of tactics from night to daylight bombing for greater accuracy. The B-17 bomber, known as the Flying Fortress, is showcased for its resilience and bombing capabilities. The experiences of bomber crews, including the physical and psychological challenges they faced, are depicted. The B-17's design, which allowed it to sustain damage and continue flying, is emphasized, as are the bonds formed among crew members. The use of the Norden bombsight, an early computer for increased bombing accuracy, is also discussed, along with the high casualty rates among aircrews.

The success of daylight bombing missions, such as the one led by Paul Tibbets targeting Rouen, demonstrated the potential of precision bombing. Despite the initial elation, the missions faced significant challenges, including anti-aircraft fire and the risk of shrapnel damage. The broader impact of WWII bombing on civilian populations is acknowledged, highlighting the collateral damage of the war. The narrative also touches on Tibbets' future role in the historic atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the relentless production of B-17s by American workers to replace those lost in combat.

The narrative leads up to D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in history, with a focus on the experiences of American soldiers, including Harold Baumgarten and William Dabney. It discusses the extensive preparations, the challenges faced by the troops, and the societal changes prompted by the war, such as the integration of African American soldiers and the role of women in the workforce. The landing at Omaha Beach is depicted in harrowing detail, illustrating the intensity of the combat and the bravery of the soldiers. The success of D-Day is contextualized within the larger victory over Nazi Germany and the subsequent impact on the American psyche, setting the stage for the Civil Rights movement.

The importance of medical supplies and the establishment of blood banks on an industrial scale are emphasized. The US military's extensive preparations for D-Day are detailed, highlighting the sheer volume of troops, equipment, and supplies involved. The challenges faced by soldiers on Omaha Beach are depicted, showcasing the intensity of the German resistance and the high casualty rates. The narrative also follows individual soldiers' experiences, such as Harold Baumgarten's severe injuries and subsequent rescue through mass-produced medical supplies. The Battle of Normandy's significance in the defeat of Hitler and the lead-up to the confrontation with Japan is discussed.

The narrative concludes with the development and use of the atomic bomb, detailing the Manhattan Project and the historic test in the Alamogordo Desert. The uncertainty and potential of this new weapon are explored, along with the ethical considerations and the profound impact on warfare. The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki are described, noting the immediate and long-term casualties, leading to Japan's surrender. The mixed legacy of America's victory is acknowledged, with the nation emerging as a superpower with a vibrant economy, but at the cost of immense human life and the introduction of a new era of nuclear weapons.