Chapter 8: Sleeping bears
In Chapter 8, the war finally comes to America.
1. The story about John stepping on the bear is as retold by Reuben Koski.
2. The conversation between the Koski brothers and their friends is fictionalized, but represents the views held by many Americans at that time.
3. The Koski brothers were at camp on the morning of December 7th, 1941.
4. The discussion between the Koski brothers about their part in the war is fictionalized, but is based on expectations of the war held by the Koski family and many other Americans.
5. Learn more about Charles Lindbergh and his views on Hitler and Nazi Germany.
6. More information on Camp Callan, one of the numerous camps preparing soldiers for defensive of the American mainland in event of a Japanese or German invasion.
Media and Web links:
1. Figure 8-1 Video: Before Pearl Harbor, Americans were bitterly divided as to whether or not America should get involved in the war.
2. Figure 8-2 Video: Many famous Americans, including Charles Lindbergh argued passionately that the Germany had already won the war.
3. Figure 8-3 Video: After the attack on Pearl Harbor, American's became very concerned about possible Japanese attacks on the West Coast of the United States.
4. Figure 8-4 Video: When they received the news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Koski brothers, like almost all Americans, understood that America must now go to war.
5. Figure 8-5 Video: The Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor united America in the coming war against the Axis powers.
6. Figure 8-6 Web: Franklin Roosevelt was a remarkable president who managed to prepare the country for war in the face of strong opposition by Americans and then managed to forge a lasting coalition that eventually toppled the Axis powers.
Copyright 2007 by Dan Oja