300,000 Airplanes, Scrap Drives, & Cheerful Giving – Civilians in War, Part 3

July 24, 2015 / Sarah Kay Bierle / Leave a comment

Civilians support armies. It’s as simple as that. And when armies don’t have home front support…well, there’s a historic example about fifty years ago (unfortunately). But rather than use a negative example, let’s take a look at World War II which may be the all-time best example of civilians supporting their armies and cause.

Building Airplanes

300,000 Airplanes

We’ll start today’s study with American manufacturing during WWII. By the end of the conflict, United States civilian men and women and had built approximately 300,000 aircraft alone…that doesn’t include tanks, jeeps, guns, ammo, etc.! Getting a job in a defense factory was a big deal and showed patriotism. And, by the end of the war, the US was the largest manufacturer by the end of the war too.

Suppose for a moment that civilians didn’t step up to work in the factories and build those airplanes. Two things would’ve happened. #1-no new airplanes get built or #2 -soldiers have to be taken from the fighting lines to build the aircraft. Not a desirable situation!

One thing that I find remarkable about American industry during WWII is the civilian’s willingness to work and serve in this way. Unlike Nazi Germany where people may have felt forced into the factories or production was accomplished by the inmates of concentration camps, American civilians willingly went to work to “Keep ’em Flying.”

Save Everything…and Go Without Stockings!

American factory workers weren’t the only ones striving for victory on the WWII home front. Through the years, as I’ve had opportunity to interview older family members and friends about their experiences during the war, one thing they’ve emphasized is how everyone in American society was doing something to support the war effort.

Communities, churches, boys’ and girls’ clubs, and other organizations sponsored “drives” for scrap metal, paper, rubber, and other items.

Cooking grease was saved and returned to the butchers so it could be recycled and used to make explosives. Even the tiniest pieces of foil were saved and turned in to be melted down and used again. Food rationing and victory gardens were accepted without much complaining – freedom was worth it. Gasoline and tires were rationed to provide the necessary fuel and equipment for the army.

And…one of my favorites…the ladies went without their silken stockings because the material was needed to make parachutes!

These are a few examples of how Americans were behind the war effort and from the home front were actively supporting their soldiers in the field.

War Posters: A Study in WWII Culture

Propaganda is its own war, and the battlefield is the mind and heart. World War II was no exception – all sides had extensive propaganda campaigns to keep civilian morale and support of the war high. (By the way, this “warfare” continues to be important; we are seeing it via social media with the current conflict in the Middle East.)

But rather than discuss the controlling factors and pro’s and con’s of this warfare, let’s look at some American WWII posters and discover some other facets of the civilian role. They say a pictures worth 1,000 words…so here’s “a few thousand words.” 🙂 Each poster tells a story of civilians doing their part in a war that preserved liberty and changed the world.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that civilians don’t have a role in war!

: Poster encouraging Americans to support the war effort.

: WWII Poster

Your Historian,

Miss Sarah

P.S. What other parts of the American civilian WWII experience played a major role in the Allied victory?

(Spoiler Alert: We’ll talk about morale from the home front next week and its key role on the battlefields.)

The Battles for Berlin

May 1, 2015May 1, 2015 / Sarah Kay Bierle / 6 Comments

Unbelievable that it’s May already…but I’m so excited to start the historical theme for this month – Victory in Europe: 1945 I’ve got all the Friday posts for the month planned as we remember World War II drawing to a close 70 years ago. (And before you Civil War history buffs go into mourning, don’t worry Back to Gettysburg on Tuesday continues…)

Ruins of the Reichstag in Berlin after the battle, 1945

Next Friday will actually be the anniversary of VE Day (that’s abbreviation for Victory in Europe), but do you know what was happening today 70 years ago? Battle of Berlin.

No, I didn’t misspell the title of my blog post by adding an extra “s.” After reading and referencing several in-depth sources on this military situation, I’ve decided to address the Battles for Berlin. There was the military fight, but there were several other conflicts occurring simultaneously, so let’s dig deeper into the history and find out a little more of what was really happening.

1. Morale Conflict

The Nazi Party had never had any trouble lying to the German people, and in 1945 the lies continued. However, this time, there was a serious conflict. The radio broadcasts claimed victories, but, in the winter and spring, with Allied bombers attacking Berlin everyday, German troops retreating, and little food left in Berlin, there was serious cause for doubt.

The more insightful were very suspicious; the blind-believers consumed the propaganda. Perhaps one of the most obvious examples of the conflicting feelings was the change in forms of greetings; no longer were people greeting each other with the famous honorary salutation to Hitler. Now, the greeting was “Bleib ubrig” which translates to “Survive.”

2. Leadership Conflict

Always suspicious, Adolf Hitler’s paranoid fears reached an all-time high as Allied troops closed in on Berlin. Formerly trusted advisors, political leaders, and generals were raged at, accused of treason, arrested, and sometimes executed.

The German generals realized the increasing hopelessness of the situation. By the last weeks of April, some were willing to ask the Allies for terms of surrender. A couple actually dared to send the request, believing there was little purpose in prolonging the fight and killing more people. Hitler found out and…well…retribution was swift.

Out of touch with reality and descending into some form of madness, Hitler cowered in his bunker, firmly believing his Reich would again rise and conquer the world. Thus, casualties mounted, and the generals fought on, waiting for the day Hitler would be out of the way.

3. Moral Conflict

Young German Soldier receives honor
Attribution: Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-J31305 / CC-BY-SA

How was there a moral conflict? you’re wondering. I know, it seems hard to understand, especially when Hitler and his political party were capable of such horrible atrocities. However, the moral conflict wasn’t with them. They called out a German militia of young boys and elderly men and gave orders for this “militia” to be sent into the jaws of the advancing Russian army.

However, some of the military commanders had serious doubts as to the effectiveness of these “militias” and furthermore, they felt terrible about sending 14 and 70 year olds to bloody battlefield deaths. Sadly, if those military leaders had openly protested, they would have been shot for not following orders…so they obeyed and wrote their regret and guilt in their journals.

4. Allied Conflict

Transitioning our perspective away from the Germans and Berlin, we’ll focus on the Allied Forces in Europe. The most powerful were United States, England, and Russia. And there is the problem.

Russia – properly called the Soviet Union at this time in history – was Communist while the United States and England were Capitalist. (In case, you don’t know, these are two very different economic and political forms based on vastly different ideologies.) Thus, there were mini-conflicts within the Allied Powers.

To summarize, Stalin wanted to take Berlin. Churchill (British leader) really didn’t want the Soviets to take Berlin because he was afraid they might not give all that territory back (he was right). General Eisenhower – American and the supreme commander of all Allied Forces – was in a difficult situation and eventually decided to allow the Russians the “pleasure” of taking Berlin.

But the political/military under-surface conflict continued to simmer. Stalin (Soviet leader) would not communicate clearly with Eisenhower. Stalin would also not give his generals clear commands, using their rivalries to compound the situation. Ugh…headache.

5. Military Conflict (Summary)

Starting in January 1945, the Russian armies launched an offensive movement toward the heart of Germany. Tanks blasted the way forward and infantry followed, pushing the German troops steadily backward. Arching through the east and north of Germany, they closed on Berlin, the German capital.

From the West, Eisenhower and the Western Allies also advanced and cut off German retreat via the west and south. (Since the Russian actually took Berlin, we’ll focus on them this week, more is coming on the American troops later in the month.)

Soviet Army captures Berlin, 1945
Attribution: Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-R77767 / CC-BY-SA

By the end of April, the Soviets were shelling Berlin and shortly thereafter the attack began. The fighting raged from street to street and bunker to bunker. Fierce fighting was followed by brutal prisoner treatment, looting, and harming the civilians. On May 2, 1945, the city unconditionally surrendered to the Russian Army.

Hitler was dead and the German commanders were free to ask for surrender terms for the entire country. Six days after the surrender of Berlin, the entire world would be celebrating because… (Come back next week for the rest of the story!)

Your Historian,

Miss Sarah

P.S. Had you considered some of the other conflicts mentioned here? Can you think of any others you would add to the list?

Did you know you’re missing out on over the half the history on Gazette665? If you haven’t LIKED the Facebook Page you’re depriving yourself of extra historical quotes and inspiration for writers. (If you have liked the page, here’s big thank you!)

“I Like Ike”

February 27, 2015 / Sarah Kay Bierle / 9 Comments

Long before Facebook introduced the trend of “Liking” people and things, a presidential candidate’s campaign planners distributed pins reading “I Like Ike.” Ike was actually the nickname of former U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was liked and was voted in as the 34th President of the United States (1953-1961).

President Eisenhower is MY FAVORITE historical U.S. President!

“I Like Ike button, 1952” by Tyrol5 – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Highlights of Eisenhower’s Presidency

Strong Foreign Policy: decisive stand against Communism, introduces the “domino theory” (says if one nation in a region falls to Communism others will quickly follow), 1953 Iranian coup, end of the Korean War, increases U.S. nuclear weapon power, ends Suez Canal crisis of 1956, the U-2 incident, the beginning of the space race.

Strengthening America’s Foundations: introduces the interstate highway system, encourages the founding of NASA, strongly supports civil rights, oversees the desegregation of American public schools, opposes the McCarthy hearings, encourages American patriotism.

Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Legacy

Eisenhower was president during one of America’s strongest periods. Fully recovered from the Great Depression and with a sense of national pride still running strong from the victory of World War II, America was prospering at home and expanding global influence.

With military training and service in both world wars, ending World War II as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe, Eisenhower understand military power. He also understood the Soviets. While taking a strong stand against Communism and its spread, Eisenhower played a careful chess-game of diplomacy, both building and expanding the American military power and attempting to reach out to the Soviet Union to break through the Iron Curtain. Eisenhower’s views and actions in these early years of the Cold War set important precedent for American policies with the Soviet Union.

Eisenhower understood the importance of America’s founding dreams. He valued a high-moral standard and acknowledge a religious/moral code as essential to the well-being of a nation. His domestic policies were sometimes controversial at the time, but he supported the belief that people’s freedoms must be safeguarded and citizens have a patriotic duty to see that their freedoms are upheld.

In a more “concrete” example of Eisenhower strengthening the infrastructure of our nation, he began the interstate highway system…so every time you drive on a nicely paved highway here in the U.S. remember Eisenhower!

Inspiration Quotes by Eisenhower

“The hand of the aggressor is stayed by strength – and strength alone.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1951)

“Neither a wise man or a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1952)

“The true purpose of education is to prepare young men and women for effective citizenship in a free form of government.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953)

“I believe the only way to protect my own rights is to protect the rights of others.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953)

“Leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

“We must be ready to dare all for our country. For history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid… A people that values its privileges about its principles soon loses both…” (Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Inaugural Address, 1953)

Why Eisenhower Is My Favorite President

Dwight D. Eisenhower was first and foremost a military commander. That is not to say he was “military dictator.” No, he held his elected office and responsibility to the American people very seriously. The man who defended liberty through landings in Normandy and battles in France was the same man who defended freedom in the schoolrooms of America.

He showed us what a “peaceful” presidency looks like. With a strong foreign policy backed by military power, he kept the peace and kept America safe. He encouraged education, showed support for the beginnings of the civil rights movement, expanded America’s transportation system, and paved the way American space exploration.

His military background brought strength and influence to his views on America’s role in the world and justice at home. The American hero of World War II led the nation through policy-forming years and constantly reminded the American people that they defended their own freedoms. They were the patriotic men, women, and children. They were America.

Happy Very Belated Presidents’ Day to my favorite president, Dwight D. Eisenhower!

Your Historian,

Miss Sarah

P.S. Did you have a favorite of the 4 U.S. presidents discussed this month? (James Monroe, William H. Taft, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower)

Don’t Forget – Christmas 1944

December 26, 2014 / Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment

Friday after Christmas. Yawn. What shall we discuss? I suppose we could be self-centered and list what we got for Christmas, but I think not. You see, when we’re self-focused we forget to serve others.

Serving others. Honor. Duty. Country. Today, I’m remembering what happened on Christmas Day 70 years ago. From December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945 the Battle of the Bulge was fought in the snowy woods of France. In World War II, this was Germany’s last major offensive attack. At the beginning, German units hurled into unsuspecting Allied lines, beginning a long series of battles. Stormy weather grounded air forces and the fight was mostly between the ground forces.

US troops, Battle of the Bulge
(Public Domain)

Approximately 610,000 American troops fought in the battle; 89,000 casualties. Battle of the Bulge was one of the largest and bloodiest battles fought by the United States in World War II. In the end it was an Allied Victory

So on Christmas Day 1944 American boys were far from their safe homes, fighting to end the horrors of Nazism. They didn’t get materialistic gifts; they gave. They gave of themselves: their safety, their comfort, and their lives. Why? To defend innocent people, to protect future generations.

I usually write thank-you notes on December 26th. Today I’m writing an open thank-you note to our American troops, past, present, and future.

Dear Service Member, Thank you for defending America. Thank you keeping us and our American dreams safe. I hope you had a Merry Christmas, and even if you couldn’t have a big celebration, I hope you will not forget that we are praying for you. Thank you for your service. Sincerely, Miss Sarah

Don’t forget. Don’t get overwhelmed by materialism and forget to serve or thank others for their sacrifices.

“May your days be merry and bright…and may all your Christmases be white.” (Irving Berlin, 1941)

Your Historian,

Miss Sarah

“We understand…Continue to Stand for the Ideals”

June 27, 2014 / Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

I can’t believe this is the fourth and final post for the month of June – our last post to commemorate the Normandy Invasion of 1944. Earlier this month, world leaders met on the Normandy shores to remember the events that took place there and speeches were made to honor the sacrifices.

Today, we’re going to look at some quotes from United States’ President Ronald Reagan’s address at the 40th commemoration of D-day. Without further commentary, here are some excerpts from his speech:

“The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next. It was the deep knowledge – and pray God we have not lost it – that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.”

“You all know that some things are worth dying for. One’s country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty…”

“The Americans who fought here that morning knew word of the invasion was spreading through the darkness back home. They…felt in their hearts, though they couldn’t know in fact, that in Georgia they were filling the churches at 4 a.m., in Kansas they were kneeling on their porches and praying, and in Philadelphia they were ringing the Liberty Bell.”

US troops during the Normandy Invasion, June 1944

“Something else helped the men of D-day: their rock-hard belief that Providence would have a great hand in the events that would unfold here; that God was an ally in this great cause. And so, the night before the invasion, when Colonel Wolverton asked his parachute troops to kneel with him in prayer, he told them, ‘Do not bow your heads, but look up so you can see God and ask His blessing in what we’re about to do.’ Also that night, General Matthew Ridgway on his cot, listening in the darkness for the promise God made to Joshua: ‘I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.'”

“These are the things that impelled them; these are the things that shaped the unity of the Allies…”

“…let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Let our actions say to them the words for which Matthew Ridgway listened: ‘I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.’ Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their valor and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.”

I believe that President Reagan’s speech is one of the most inspirational ever delivered at the Normandy commemorations.

I hope that the history we’ve discussed in the last few weeks and these inspiring words of honor will challenge you “to continue to stand for the ideals” of American patriotism.

Your historian,

Miss Sarah

P.S. We’ll have a new topic for the month of July. Watch for the first July post on Thursday the 3rd. (Yeah, it’ll be one day early since Friday is a holiday: 4th of July!) I’ll give you one hint for next month’s topic: He’s one of the best known heroes of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Please leave a comment if you’ve enjoyed the Normandy Invasion posts or want to guess who will be featured in July!

Historic Aircraft in Tucson, AZ

June 25, 2014 / Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

Bonus post…I’ve been traveling.

Some of you may have noticed that the weekly post (this month featuring the Normandy Invasion) was late in appearing last week. No, delayed posting is not going to be my habit, and perhaps you will forgive me if when you see where I was with no computer access!

PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM…and….DAVIS-MONTHAN AF BASE AIRCRAFT BONEYARD in Tucson, Arizona.

Here’s some photos and a little journaling –

Pima Air and Space Museum

This A-10 Thunderbolt II is displayed in the main hanger.

Look at all these planes!

Beautifully restored B-17 Bomber from WWII

There are over 300 planes here at the Pima Air and Space Museum. I had a day and a half at the facility and could have spent longer. (I like to read every sign in a museum…not always the best idea when on a limited time schedule).

One of Miss Sarah’s favorite WWII aircraft – THE P-51 Mustang.

I really like World War II era aircraft and this museum had an abundance of these displays.

The Helicopter Line

The entire museum facility covers about 80 acres! Aside from the hangers there are hundreds of aircraft displayed outside. I highly recommend the tram around the property as a way to see most of the outdoor display; our tour guide was informative and I learned quite a bit. Later I went back and took photos of specific aircraft.

Pima Air and Space Museum is the largest non-profit, non-government-owned flight museum in the United States. They have over 300 aircraft in pristine facilities or outdoor locations. The museum volunteers and staff were very friendly and informative.

Now, onto the Air Force Boneyard – accessible to civilians by tour bus! Here, military aircraft are preserved for future use, salvaged for unique parts, or ultimately crunched after all useable parts are removed. Applause to the Air Force for their penny-pinching and resourcefulness in an era of tight military budgeting.

This plane and the others in the background could fly again.

These large transport planes are truly in the boneyard…they will never fly again and are being stripped of useful equipment needed by aircraft still in service.

More planes in the boneyard.

I thoroughly enjoyed my sight-seeing time in Tucson, AZ, and I hope that if you are in the area you will stop by the museum or tour the base. If you love historic aircraft, planes, or flight technology this is a place you may never wish to leave.

Beauty of Flight!

There is something wonderful about flying. Defense, patriotism, pleasure, recreation, experiment, challenge, adventure, dream…so many aspects in the idea of flight. The sculpture at the Pima Air and Space Museum defines this idea simply: Beauty of Flight.

Your Historian,

Miss Sarah

For your information: http://www.pimaair.org/