Re: A World Without America
Wow....never thought I would provoke this mayhem. Obviously my written word comes over quite differently to my actual feelings and thoughts.
There is no jealousy, nor hate, certainly not envy, and as for respect, well everybody is entitled to that no matter where they come from.
I apologise to anyone I have offended. You too Crunch....I couldn't imagine your winter, nor staying inside for more than an hour.
I wonder if some of you may not be getting a little paranoid.....re comment over a US Passport....well no need. The peoples of this world are quite broad minded and where you come from has little to do with how you are accepted. You have a lot of friends out there.
I am sure QC finds that where-ever he travels.
That is a fact of life in the real world.
I think some have to get over this belief they were instrumental in bringing peace and freedom to everyone.
It is something all western nations strive for.
The issue of Wars came up.
So here is some history.
Europe
1. The greatest deciding factor in WW2 was the Battle of Britain. It was short, but at the end,
a.)the British and its Commonwealth knew Germany would never occupy the British Isles
b.)Germany Navy (surface) would never be able to operate effectively (closure of English Channel).
2. Capture of the Enigma Code machine in 1941 by HMS Bulldog from U 001 (or something strange like that)
U Boat was taken en-tow, and stripped, but sunk on its own accord before reaching Scapa Flow. The U Boat Fleet would diminish over the years due to that.
3. Hitler's operation 'Barbarossa'. All knew no invading Army's ever leaves Russia intact, and more than 1 Army is required to cover the Russian front.
4. Malta. German and Italian forces could not take Malta, thereby never being able to control the Mediterranean, Nth Africa,Middle East thru to Southern Russia and denying access to the Indian Ocean.
5. Breaking of German Airforce code system. I recall (hope I'm correct) the English actually sacrificed a city, Coventry. They knew when/size (every detail) of pending attack but had they prepared for it, the German would have realised immediately the Brits were on to them).
American concern became acute after Barbarrosa. A Russian win: they knew Russia would invade all Europe and place it under Communism. A very concerning issue. Stalin wanted re-supply and Brits/USA to open a Western Front to alleviate pressure on him.
These are the linch-pins to the European theatre. All Battles/Campaigns/Squirmishes that followed were the mechanics. American forces did not make up a very high percentage of the Allied Force in this theatre, overall. But all Europeans and Commonwealth Nations considered ever soldier, no matter where he originated, to be vitally important to the cause irrespective of wether he was an American/Indian/Polish/French or other. It was that sort of situation.
Pacific.
1. British Commonwealth was unable to hold Singapore. Singapore is the cross-roads to the world....absolutely critical loss.
2. Australian Infantry battle at Kakoda Trail in PNG. Japs knew they had to win, otherwise their advanced on land was stopped. Aussies knew if they lost, so was Australia and the land base it would provide for McArthur. Jap expeditionary force had no where to go after their loss, no chance of re-supply or evacuation.
3. Battle of Coral Sea. American Navy.It was a draw, but Japs were never able to patrol their large fleets that far South again.
4. Battle of Midway. American Navy. Destroyed Japs navy to extent it was never a effective/operational Battle Fleet again.
5. Burma. Mountbatten halts Jap Western advance.
6. Americans won the Pacific War; it contributed majority of forces, but don't forget, there were a lot of other Forces there too. Everybody it thankful to the Americans for that. No issue over the Pacific War. It was an American led victory.
For Inventions and Medical advance...well....I think you have to be a little careful on that one, but that's OK.
(personally I wonder if Hollywood has a lot to answer for. I went to see a film a few years back on the Enigma Code machine. Having read quite a lot about it in past, I was rather surprise to see Hollywood had an American Sub capturing the U-Boat concerned and stealing the Enigma machine for the Americans with all sorts of drama and heroics. Wonder how many saw the film and accepted it as fact...
For those of you that doubt you have friends and allies in this world......forget it....you'r wrong......you have plenty.
Cheers
Phillip
