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I personally don't find WWII as interesting as earlier wars. I think it has been over-analyzed. Of course, that could be because it is the single most cataclysmic event in human history that we know of.
I understand that you are interested in military history. Of all the conflicts you have explored which one do you find most interesting. If you could also tell me why, I would appreciate it greatly.Thank you:Willy D
I personally find the German Wars of Unification the most fascinating. For a couple of reasons; 1. I think the Prussians created the best army since Ancient Rome and 2. the political maneuvering that kept the wars short is nothing short of amazing. I think Bismarck deserves even more respect than he usually gets in hsitory books, 3. I think German history pre-WWI is underserved in English scholarship.
Bismarck was a truly skilled diplomat, a real Conservative and a student of human nature. I wasalways surprised that he finally agreed to the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine as he knew that thiswould plant seeds that would poison relationships in the future. I agree that his diplomacy following the defeat of Denmark and Austria were masterful. My father's people came from Baden Baden in southernGermany in 1848 after the aborted revolutions. My grandfather was a great admirer of Bismarck andcriticized him only for his failure to include Austria in the Empire. That of course would have beenimpossible and we had to wait for Hitler before that happened.England and Germany became enemies in the decades before WWI which perhaps explains the paucityof material that I too have noticed.Oh yes--my paternal ancestors were draft dodgers as were my wife's (Russia 1901)
My great-great Grandfather on my fathers side was a forty-eighter as well from Bavaria. I am descended from the Irish on my paternal Grandmother's side and my mother is an immigrant from England. It is like I told my wife
America is the only place in the world where you can get off the plane and call yourself an American and nobody can tell you you are wrong
That used to be true but sadly it is not anymore.
Because America no longer wants its immigrants to assimilate, they are too busy being told to be diverse so America is now becoming more tribal. The goal of the diversity crowd is the Balkanization of America. They no longer want us to share a common culture. See this thread where I describe it in more detail: Diversity, What is it and is it good?
I do not know whether I agree or not. I must think about this as you may be correct.I will also check the linkRegards:WillyD
I have given this a lot of thought. I am actually curious to hear a self-described liberal's take on this.
As you have given this a lot of thought, I am sure that you can anticipate my arguments. However, as you pointed out I am a soi disant Liberal and will stretch my mental tendons in an effort to surprise you–we are a hotbed or originality and speculation here–no bust of von Ranke on our mantle. Watch this space–more to follow.WillyD
Because America no longer wants its immigrants to assimilate, they are too busy being told to be diverse so America is now becoming more tribal. The goal of the diversity crowd is the Balkanization of America. They no longer want us to share a common culture. See this thread where I describe it in more detail: Diversity, What is it and is it good?
I still like Degler's Salad Bowl... the shortcoming today is that the diversity crowd is interpreting the Constitution which is supposed to be the unifying salad dressing. >:(
