For this unit we are focusing on developments in aviation during World War II. Although military planners between the wars knew that aircraft would play a vital role in the next conflict, they did not foresee the variety of ways that aircraft would be vital to military success. We will look at developments in the European and Pacific theaters, as well as historical interpretations of events during World War II that relate to the use of aircraft for strategic bombing. Notably, we will explore the controversy and issues surrounding the display of the Enola Gay at the Smithsonian Institution in our text for this unit, History Wars: The Enola Gay and Other Battles for the American Past.
The syllabus breaks down the readings and assignments due each week of the unit. You will find that mirrored below, along with the specific links for the "course modules" listed in the syllabus. I encourage you to review these modules first, as they provide some context and structure to help you understand the specifics addressed in the readings.
Wings pp. 395-442
History Wars chapter 1
Preparing for War module
History Wars chapters 2-4
The Air War in Europe module
History Wars chapters 5-6
The Air War in the Pacific module
Wings pp. 443-86
This discussion board can be accessed through the "Discussions" tab in our Blackboard course.
Please complete the questions for History Wars and submit them in Blackboard. For each question, write at least 150 words and make sure you use specific examples from the reading to support your points. Explain your points and the connections between your examples and your points.