"The Untold History of The United States" Characters Analysis

List of Characters:

Role Identification:

In "The Untold History of The United States" by Oliver Stone, various significant historical figures play crucial roles in shaping the events and outcomes of the United States and the world during the 20th century. These characters include prominent political leaders, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill, Adolf Hitler, Hirohito, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan. Each character's role illustrates their impact on the historical narrative presented by Stone.

Character Descriptions:

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt:
   • As the President of the United States during a significant part of the 20th century, Roosevelt led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. He introduced the New Deal policies to rebuild the economy and increase social welfare.
2. Harry Truman:
   • Truman succeeded Roosevelt as the President and played a crucial role in the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ultimately ending World War II. He also implemented the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan to contain communism during the Cold War.
3. Joseph Stalin:
   • Stalin was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and a key figure in the establishment of a communist regime in Russia. He led the Soviet Union during World War II and initiated policies that transformed the country into a superpower.
4. Winston Churchill:
   • Churchill served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II and played a vital role in leading the Allied forces. He was known for his powerful speeches and determination to defeat Nazi Germany.
5. Adolf Hitler:
   • Hitler, as the Chancellor of Germany and leader of the Nazi Party, orchestrated the Holocaust and initiated World War II. His aggressive expansionist policies and ideology of Aryan supremacy had a devastating impact on the world.
6. Hirohito:
   • Hirohito, the Emperor of Japan during World War II, was a symbolic figurehead of the Japanese Empire. While he held limited political power, his reign witnessed Japan's militarization and involvement in the war.
7. John F. Kennedy:
   • Kennedy, as the 35th President of the United States, faced significant challenges such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Civil Rights Movement. His presidency was cut short by assassination in 1963.
8. Lyndon B. Johnson:
   • Johnson succeeded Kennedy and played a critical role in advancing civil rights legislation in the United States. He also escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
9. Richard Nixon:
   • Nixon, as the 37th President of the United States, implemented policies such as the opening of diplomatic relations with China and the initiation of détente with the Soviet Union. However, he was also involved in the Watergate scandal, leading to his resignation.
10. Ronald Reagan:
    • Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States and was known for his conservative policies and efforts to revive the U.S. economy. He played a significant role in the end of the Cold War.

Character Traits:

Character Background:

• Franklin D. Roosevelt: Born into a wealthy family in New York, Roosevelt overcame personal challenges, including polio, to become one of the most influential presidents in U.S. history.
• Harry Truman: Truman, a Missouri native, grew up in a modest family and had a background in business and politics before assuming the presidency.
• Joseph Stalin: Stalin was born into a poor family in Georgia and rose through the ranks of the Communist Party to become the leader of the Soviet Union.
• Winston Churchill: Churchill was born into a prominent British family and had a long political career, serving in various government positions before becoming Prime Minister.
• Adolf Hitler: Hitler came from a lower-middle-class family in Austria and developed his extremist ideologies during his time in Vienna before rising to power in Germany.
• Hirohito: Hirohito was born into the Japanese imperial family and had a privileged upbringing, assuming the throne at a young age.
• John F. Kennedy: Kennedy came from a wealthy and politically influential family in Massachusetts, and his background in the military and politics shaped his presidency.
• Lyndon B. Johnson: Johnson, born in Texas, had a humble background and worked his way up through politics to become one of the most powerful figures in the Democratic Party.
• Richard Nixon: Nixon, a California native, had a modest upbringing and built his political career through various government positions, ultimately reaching the presidency.
• Ronald Reagan: Reagan, originally from Illinois, had a successful career as an actor before entering politics and becoming the governor of California.

Character Arcs:

• Franklin D. Roosevelt: Roosevelt's character arc is marked by his transformation from a president grappling with the Great Depression to a leader guiding the United States through World War II, implementing domestic policies and international alliances that shaped the nation's future.
• Harry Truman: Truman's character arc revolves around his unexpected rise to the presidency and his consequential decision-making during the final stages of World War II and the early years of the Cold War.
• Joseph Stalin: Stalin's character arc showcases his ruthless consolidation of power within the Soviet Union and his leadership during World War II, followed by his role in the emerging Cold War and the spread of communism.
• Winston Churchill: Churchill's character arc portrays his unwavering resolve during World War II and his subsequent role in shaping the post-war world order, particularly in relation to the Soviet Union.
• Adolf Hitler: Hitler's character arc depicts his ascent to power, the implementation of his genocidal policies, and the ultimate downfall of Nazi Germany.
• Hirohito: Hirohito's character arc reveals his transformation from a symbolic figurehead to a leader who made crucial decisions during Japan's involvement in World War II and its aftermath.
• John F. Kennedy: Kennedy's character arc showcases his inspirational leadership, his efforts to address civil rights issues, and his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, tragically cut short by his assassination.
• Lyndon B. Johnson: Johnson's character arc focuses on his ambitious domestic agenda, including the advancement of civil rights, while grappling with the Vietnam War and facing mounting public opposition.
• Richard Nixon: Nixon's character arc demonstrates his rise to power, his achievements in foreign policy, and his eventual involvement in the Watergate scandal, leading to his resignation.
• Ronald Reagan: Reagan's character arc highlights his conservative policies, economic reforms, and his role in ending the Cold War through diplomacy and military build-up.

Relationships:

The relationships between the characters in "The Untold History of The United States" are complex and often defined by their political interactions and ideological differences. Some notable relationships include:

• Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill: Roosevelt and Churchill formed a close alliance during World War II, working together to combat Nazi Germany and shape the post-war world order.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin: Despite ideological differences, Roosevelt and Stalin forged a pragmatic alliance during World War II, collaborating to defeat Hitler's Germany.
• Harry Truman and Joseph Stalin: Truman's relationship with Stalin was marked by tension and distrust, as the United States and the Soviet Union became Cold War adversaries.
• John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev: Kennedy and Khrushchev, the Soviet Premier, had a tumultuous relationship, with the Cuban Missile Crisis representing a critical point of conflict and negotiation.
• Lyndon B. Johnson and Martin Luther King Jr.: Johnson's relationship with King was complex, as they worked together on civil rights legislation while facing challenges and tensions surrounding the Vietnam War.
• Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger: Nixon and Kissinger, his National Security Advisor and later Secretary of State, formed a close partnership in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to China and the Soviet Union.
• Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev: Reagan and Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union, engaged in a series of summits that contributed to the easing of Cold War tensions.

Overall, "The Untold History of The United States" explores the multifaceted characters who played pivotal roles in shaping the course of history during the 20th century. Through their actions, decisions, and relationships, these characters influenced the global political landscape, leaving a lasting impact on the world we live in today.