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Common Grounds and Success

When one thinks of World War II, they immediately are prone to think of the Holocaust which
was the mass murder of 6 million Jews under a Nazi regime led by Adolf Hitler. Many people,
however, are unfamiliar with the military aspects of this era. World War II started as a result of
unresolved conflicts in World War I between the Allies (the United States, Great Britain, France,
and later the Soviet Union) and the Axis (Germany, Italy, and Japan). The United States
originally stayed out of these conflicts due to uncertainty within the nation until December 7,
1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Citizens on the Home Front expressed many worries and
uncertainties, but eventually reached victory due to the uniting encouragement stimulated
throughout the nation during this era. In the case of the United States involvement in World War
II, three primary factors can be held responsible for its success which are alliances, militarism,
and nationalism. Alliances increased ties within the Allies which supported each other creating
strong forces capable of defeating opposing countries, militarism was a promoting factor in that
American entertainment often held World War II themes and advertising was geared towards
supporting soldiers during the war, and nationalism is a centripetal force that held the nation-
state together through common interests despite differing ways on how to seek out those goals.
Real life situations today pose much conflict not only in military standpoints, but in social
ones too. For example, there are many group projects at school which must be completed
efficiently to receive a good grade. This requires each group member to work together diligently
to fulfill the goals and requirements set to turn in a well-deserving and rewarding project.
Sometimes, compromise and open-minded ideas are needed to complete the job especially
because everybody in the group is most likely instilled with their own set of beliefs and
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perspectives based on differing experiences. Therefore, disagreements are prone to happen as
they are common when people are required to work together. If a person puts forth more effort
than another, an imbalance of the work completed will exist which can prove to put more stress
on the person that did all the work. This takes away the purpose of working in a group, and can
create conflict between group members. An equal amount of work should be held accountable by
each member so that responsibilities create a balance amongst the group. It can also be very
beneficial to have differing opinions if one is willing to adapt to the changing thought process of
another. This diversity promotes a sense of thoroughness within the final product produced that
combines all ideas and strengths of each group member.
Another prime example of people who disagree when working together would be my younger
brother and I. We are always bickering over one thing or another because we are both strong-
headed and opinionated. As far as working together, we must depend on each other when we are
home alone or taking a walk at the park together. Danger may ensue in any given situation, and it
is always important to keep a clear mind and make the right decisions to avoid major
consequences. Sometimes, we disagree on whether or not it is wise to cook a certain kind of food
when we are home alone. It is important that we demonstrate trust for each other. I know what
my brother is capable of cooking, and I am willing to provide assistance if needed. He knows
when he needs assistance, and that sometimes it is better for me to handle things since I am older
meaning I ultimately have more experience. Either way, trust and understanding of each others
needs is important to work together efficiently and avoid having to pay for the consequences of
impulsive decisions.
Moreover, opinions and facts tend to become diluted amongst a broad spectrum of realities in
situations. It is important to have open discussion in these situations to analyze priorities in
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solving a problem. People should also be motivated to decipher false from fiction if willing to
hold a set of strong beliefs, and be capable of defending them amongst those who oppose them.
Politically, decisions called upon have been known to divide friends, families, cities and the
country. Sometimes, decisions can be put aside when certain events that stimulate similar
feelings occur. For example, Hurricane Sandy recently occurred several months ago, and caused
differences to be put aside. A common goal was established: help those that were devastated due
to loss of homes, loss of businesses, and loss of lives. Political uproars within the media began to
fizzle out as the country began to work together. Thus, priorities have the ability to change in
times of crisis to reach common grounds in order to solve problems.
Subsequently, many situations in todays expanding and knowledgeable society exist in
which conflict is prone to develop. Differing opinions must be resolved efficiently in order to
succeed in solving problems. The United States allied with several other countries during World
War II despite cultural barriers such as differences in language, religion, and way of life. This is
because they all had the common goal to defeat the Axis powers, and conclusively reach victory.
Some characteristics of putting aside differences in all situations that involve solving problems
include openness, trust, understanding, the ability to compromise through discussion, and a
method to develop common goals. Also, people who disagree can offer a variation of ideas that
contribute to diversity in society which can allow knowledge to be developed and expanded
upon. As people find common ground within their different beliefs, great feats can be achieved
as they have already done so in the past when great powers come together.