The article raises a very pertinent question vis-a-vis American commitment and the lengths to which the US is willing to go to stop or reverse a Chinese invasion. The last war where Americans went to great lengths willingly was World War 2. I think that was because most Americans were of European descent, and many were relative newcomers with connections to the old countries, and felt a kinship or personal stake in what happened in Europe. Also, there was a large population of men who were willing to sign up to the military effort voluntarily (the draft was imposed later).
> think that was because most Americans were of European descent, and many were relative newcomers with connections to the old countries,
I think it was more because Japan attacked the US. Germany and Japan were allies and Hitler was developing intercontinetal rockets. If I read it right the US was very "America First" before Pearl Harbour. How ironic that the U.S got back to America First again...
Pearl Harbor was the incident (shortly after the sinking of the Lusitania) that catalyzed America's inevitable entry into the war. There was a very strong isolationist mindset before this period, which mean America simply did not want to be involved much in world affairs at all, let alone take on a leadership role.
I agree that the attack, and the sinking of America's warships touched a nerve with the public. Americans loved their warships and were very proud of them, and an attack on them simply incensed people.
I've started reading a book on this topic, "Hitler's American Gamble." As the title suggests, it's about the fact that after the US and Japan declared war on each other, Germany declared war on the US four days later, without which it's debatable how soon (or maybe whether) we would have sent troops to the European war.
I'm reading the chapter about 6 December 1941. I think I know what comes next.
BTW, Hitler was not thinking about developing intercontinental rockets until late in the war, so no Americans would have worried about it at that point. At 1941, I don't think the V-2 was even on the drawing board. But you're right about "America First", particularly the Republicans. FDR was itching to get into the European war, as I read it, although his opinion of the British Empire was rather low.
Comments
The article raises a very pertinent question vis-a-vis American commitment and the lengths to which the US is willing to go to stop or reverse a Chinese invasion. The last war where Americans went to great lengths willingly was World War 2. I think that was because most Americans were of European descent, and many were relative newcomers with connections to the old countries, and felt a kinship or personal stake in what happened in Europe. Also, there was a large population of men who were willing to sign up to the military effort voluntarily (the draft was imposed later).
I think it was more because Japan attacked the US. Germany and Japan were allies and Hitler was developing intercontinetal rockets. If I read it right the US was very "America First" before Pearl Harbour. How ironic that the U.S got back to America First again...
Pearl Harbor was the incident (shortly after the sinking of the Lusitania) that catalyzed America's inevitable entry into the war. There was a very strong isolationist mindset before this period, which mean America simply did not want to be involved much in world affairs at all, let alone take on a leadership role.
I agree that the attack, and the sinking of America's warships touched a nerve with the public. Americans loved their warships and were very proud of them, and an attack on them simply incensed people.
Um...the Lusitania was sunk in 1915. Pearl Harbor was in 1941.
You're right, it isn't the Lusitania (which was something that further inflamed public sentiment, causing American entry into the first world war).
I've started reading a book on this topic, "Hitler's American Gamble." As the title suggests, it's about the fact that after the US and Japan declared war on each other, Germany declared war on the US four days later, without which it's debatable how soon (or maybe whether) we would have sent troops to the European war.
I'm reading the chapter about 6 December 1941. I think I know what comes next.
BTW, Hitler was not thinking about developing intercontinental rockets until late in the war, so no Americans would have worried about it at that point. At 1941, I don't think the V-2 was even on the drawing board. But you're right about "America First", particularly the Republicans. FDR was itching to get into the European war, as I read it, although his opinion of the British Empire was rather low.