Fierce patriotism combined with the idealism of masculinity involved with defending one’s country were initial major causes of enlistment in WWII, but as the war progressed, soldiers turned their focus and reasons for fighting to their comrades, as well as the resentment towards the enemy.
Nationalism peaks during the time of crisis, specifically if there is a common enemy to rally against as a nation. This was the case during WWII, where the people were unified more than they had ever been against such an enemy. The Germans, Italians, and the Japanese were seen and portrayed as savages sent to dismantle society as it was known. This view began immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Outrage at the brazen and unexpected …show more content…
Manly, strong, and masculine were the things that one would become after enlisting, or so the community collectively agreed. The societal ideal of a man at the time was a soldier on the front lines, respected and brave. Motion pictures and propaganda also heavily pushed this representation heavily. Young men strove for this, and it was very frequently the cause of their enlistment. Unaware of the gravity of war, the thought of combat brought a glisten to the eyes of young boys in the name of adventure. “At that age, you look forward to the glamour and have no idea of the horrors.” stated Robert Rasmus, a WWII veteran on his reflection as a fourteen year old before he joined the war (38 Terkel.) Each wanted to become a hero themselves, and so they would do anything to become so. The push to become somebody great and part of something bigger was felt nationwide. Motivation for fighting was at peak when the danger of it is veiled behind promising words and …show more content…
Those bonds formed during traumatic events such as war are even stronger. Soldiers connected immediately when in battle, braving the horrors side by side, witnessing the tragedies otherwise unimaginable on the home front and during times of peace. These people become the only constants in an ever changing battlefront, as well as each other’s only distraction from the war. Soldiers relied on each other for all moral support. “The only thing that kept you going was your faith in your buddies. It wasn’t just a case of friendship… What was worse than death was the indignation of your buddies. You couldn’t let ‘em down. It was stronger than flag and country,” stated E. B. Sledge, a marine positioned in the Philippines. “What held the men of World War II together once they entered combat was unit cohesion,” (King.) The squadron and the company that each soldier was assigned to became their family for the duration of the war. Total trust was necessary, as every decision and action became life or death, so each unit relied entirely upon its members to keep alive. This mentality was mostly shared among combat soldiers, who saw the thickest parts of
Nationalism peaks during the time of crisis, specifically if there is a common enemy to rally against as a nation. This was the case during WWII, where the people were unified more than they had ever been against such an enemy. The Germans, Italians, and the Japanese were seen and portrayed as savages sent to dismantle society as it was known. This view began immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Outrage at the brazen and unexpected …show more content…
Manly, strong, and masculine were the things that one would become after enlisting, or so the community collectively agreed. The societal ideal of a man at the time was a soldier on the front lines, respected and brave. Motion pictures and propaganda also heavily pushed this representation heavily. Young men strove for this, and it was very frequently the cause of their enlistment. Unaware of the gravity of war, the thought of combat brought a glisten to the eyes of young boys in the name of adventure. “At that age, you look forward to the glamour and have no idea of the horrors.” stated Robert Rasmus, a WWII veteran on his reflection as a fourteen year old before he joined the war (38 Terkel.) Each wanted to become a hero themselves, and so they would do anything to become so. The push to become somebody great and part of something bigger was felt nationwide. Motivation for fighting was at peak when the danger of it is veiled behind promising words and …show more content…
Those bonds formed during traumatic events such as war are even stronger. Soldiers connected immediately when in battle, braving the horrors side by side, witnessing the tragedies otherwise unimaginable on the home front and during times of peace. These people become the only constants in an ever changing battlefront, as well as each other’s only distraction from the war. Soldiers relied on each other for all moral support. “The only thing that kept you going was your faith in your buddies. It wasn’t just a case of friendship… What was worse than death was the indignation of your buddies. You couldn’t let ‘em down. It was stronger than flag and country,” stated E. B. Sledge, a marine positioned in the Philippines. “What held the men of World War II together once they entered combat was unit cohesion,” (King.) The squadron and the company that each soldier was assigned to became their family for the duration of the war. Total trust was necessary, as every decision and action became life or death, so each unit relied entirely upon its members to keep alive. This mentality was mostly shared among combat soldiers, who saw the thickest parts of