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Military History

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I was going to use this to discuss the American Civil War, but thought it's probably best being used for general military histpory.

I've had a passion for this subject since I was young. Especially the Civil War, WWII, Napoleon, Hannibal, and Rome.

Anyone have a particular battle/general/topic of interest?
Nemo me impune lacessit

http://ttrim.blogspot.com
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I enjoy reading about WW2 battles, strategies, and the political schemes of that era. It's fascinating.
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” — Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering
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Originally posted by: ricarleite
I enjoy reading about WW2 battles, strategies, and the political schemes of that era. It's fascinating.


WWII is so fascinating, because there is so much material available to study. Also, the effects of it are still be felt. Very interesting time in history, to be sure.

I've always been an admirer of MacArthur. Stone cold man...
Nemo me impune lacessit

http://ttrim.blogspot.com
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My favorite WW2 subjects are:

Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I don't analyze them as pro-Japan (as it would be hypocrisy, as I condemn their view on the nanking massacres), nor pro-USA, but pro-life. It was both countries mistake. Also, the history of the survivors is chilling yet fascinating.

Witold Pilecki, a polish soldier and spy, the only known men to have volunteered to be sent to Auschwitz, so he could gather inside information and organize an uprising. Probably one of the craziest and bravest men who ever lived.

Hitler's raise to power, and his strategies and mistakes. of course I am not pro-Hitler, but it's fascinating to analyze his war strategies, not only in battle but in other actions. Did you know the germans had fake money brought in secretly into the UK to generate inflation?

The brazillian participation in the war, the battles fought in Italy and the brazillian air force (senta pua!), and the pilots and engineers who did miracles.

The D day, now that's a whole story by itself.
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” — Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering
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yeah WWII is really interesting, if anyone has ever seen the history channel movie EIK you'll know how much planing and risk was taken into the invasion. the whole thing was just incredible and i would say hands down was one of the most brillent stratgic moves in the history of war fair. it was a desperate act made in desperate times, and you could see just how desperate is was when they expected such massive loses, i think they estimated a 75% lose rate for all air born infantry, thats 75% of thousands of men droping in.

also yeah jsut looking at hilter is very interesting to see how he rose the power and fell. its not every day you get one man rising to power and lifting his country to a world super power in a matter of 10 years, he may have been a insane, but he was a political mastermind.
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I like the whole Kennedy and Vietnam era better than WW2, I like the 60's because of the change and the movements.
"Yub Knub" by Warrick Davis
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Originally posted by: kev
I like the whole Kennedy and Vietnam era better than WW2, I like the 60's because of the change and the movements.


You know, for the first time ever, kev and I agree. Wow.
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the whole cold war interesting too, and its really cool to see how it affects the world today. like afganistan is a prefect example. the SU, wanted to invade iran, and so they invaded afagnistan first so that iran would have to fight a two front war. teh soviets wanted iran so they would have land access to the indian ocean, that way they could build a base there and have a major navel presence in 3 oceans around the world. the US did want this cause it would gave the soviets a massive stratigic advantage. so they trained and feed weapons into afganistian, to halt the soviet advance. (funny how bin laden was one of those that were trained). anyway so the soviets fought and fought, then eventually after 10 years picked up and left, shortly b4 the collapse of the union. NOW the US is in there fighting the same people they trained, who are now using the weapons left by the soviets.
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Originally posted by: ricarleite
I enjoy reading about WW2 battles, strategies, and the political schemes of that era. It's fascinating.
Ditto
Originally posted by: JediSage
Also, the effects of it are still be felt.

Sad, but true
I saw the original theatrical release of the Old Trilogy on the big screen and I'm proud of it...
How did I accomplish that (considering my age) is my secret...
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Originally posted by: Shimraa
the US did want this cause it would gave the soviets a massive stratigic advantage. so they trained and feed weapons into afganistian, to halt the soviet advance. (funny how bin laden was one of those that were trained). anyway so the soviets fought and fought, then eventually after 10 years picked up and left, shortly b4 the collapse of the union. NOW the US is in there fighting the same people they trained, who are now using the weapons left by the soviets.
One big difference.
The Soviets spent...10 years trying to take over. The US ousted the Taliban in, what, about a year. Sure, there are a few pockets always causing trouble (like in Iraq) but that is to be expected.

I think I've said this before on this forum, but it bears repeating:
For a long time, the US government used the philosophy of The enemy of my enemy is my friend. We allied with the Soviets in WW2 against Hitler.
We helped Saddam against Iran in the Iran/Iraq War.
We aided Bin Laden in Afghanistan.
I know there are more examples, but I'm not sure of any at the moment.

Anyways, if you look at what is happening now, the US isn't really doing that. Despite what many (like the French) may say, the EU is probably the closest ally we have. Most of them were allies in Iraq/ Afghanistan and most are united against Iran right now.
If you look to the east, Japan and South Korea are fairly strong allies and both are on our side concerning North Korea.
China and Russia, right now, are 2 big wildcards.
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Indeed. In retrospect, a lot of what was done against the USSR has come back to bite us in the butt, but hindsite is 20/20, they say. And as one president once said, hindsight alone is not wisdom.

As for military history, I agree that WWII is one of the most interesting eras in all of world history, if for no other reason than it was more clear then than at any other time who were the good guys and who were the bad guys.

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Originally posted by: starkiller
Originally posted by: Shimraa
the US did want this cause it would gave the soviets a massive stratigic advantage. so they trained and feed weapons into afganistian, to halt the soviet advance. (funny how bin laden was one of those that were trained). anyway so the soviets fought and fought, then eventually after 10 years picked up and left, shortly b4 the collapse of the union. NOW the US is in there fighting the same people they trained, who are now using the weapons left by the soviets.
One big difference.
The Soviets spent...10 years trying to take over. The US ousted the Taliban in, what, about a year. Sure, there are a few pockets always causing trouble (like in Iraq) but that is to be expected.

I think I've said this before on this forum, but it bears repeating:
For a long time, the US government used the philosophy of The enemy of my enemy is my friend. We allied with the Soviets in WW2 against Hitler.
We helped Saddam against Iran in the Iran/Iraq War.
We aided Bin Laden in Afghanistan.
I know there are more examples, but I'm not sure of any at the moment.

Anyways, if you look at what is happening now, the US isn't really doing that. Despite what many (like the French) may say, the EU is probably the closest ally we have. Most of them were allies in Iraq/ Afghanistan and most are united against Iran right now.
If you look to the east, Japan and South Korea are fairly strong allies and both are on our side concerning North Korea.
China and Russia, right now, are 2 big wildcards.


the reason for the time difference is cause, the soviets where fighting guys with the same technology as them, where as the US was using weapons of today vs weapons that were 15 years old.
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Originally posted by: Shimraa
Originally posted by: starkiller
Originally posted by: Shimraa
the US did want this cause it would gave the soviets a massive stratigic advantage. so they trained and feed weapons into afganistian, to halt the soviet advance. (funny how bin laden was one of those that were trained). anyway so the soviets fought and fought, then eventually after 10 years picked up and left, shortly b4 the collapse of the union. NOW the US is in there fighting the same people they trained, who are now using the weapons left by the soviets.
One big difference.
The Soviets spent...10 years trying to take over. The US ousted the Taliban in, what, about a year. Sure, there are a few pockets always causing trouble (like in Iraq) but that is to be expected.

I think I've said this before on this forum, but it bears repeating:
For a long time, the US government used the philosophy of The enemy of my enemy is my friend. We allied with the Soviets in WW2 against Hitler.
We helped Saddam against Iran in the Iran/Iraq War.
We aided Bin Laden in Afghanistan.
I know there are more examples, but I'm not sure of any at the moment.

Anyways, if you look at what is happening now, the US isn't really doing that. Despite what many (like the French) may say, the EU is probably the closest ally we have. Most of them were allies in Iraq/ Afghanistan and most are united against Iran right now.
If you look to the east, Japan and South Korea are fairly strong allies and both are on our side concerning North Korea.
China and Russia, right now, are 2 big wildcards.


the reason for the time difference is cause, the soviets where fighting guys with the same technology as them, where as the US was using weapons of today vs weapons that were 15 years old.


I disagree. The Soviets were using their big helicopters, as well as tanks and all kind of rockets, etc. The Afghans didn't have a chance until we started assisting them by filtering in mortars, rpgs, and Stinger missles, as well as offered the training to use them.
Nemo me impune lacessit

http://ttrim.blogspot.com
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i know, i wasnt talking about that, i was saying that when the states went in, in 2002, the afghans had 10-15 year old weapons, compared to the US army that was firing cruise missles at huts.
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I too am fascinated by WW2, Hitler's rise to power, and the final solution. If you guys are ever in England I'll take you to the Imperial War Museum and RAF hendon. While I was working in a hospital I met a guy who fought in the D-Day landings and the Korean War. Of the two, he said Korea was worse.

I see some people saying they find the cold-war era more intersting. I tend to look at the whole thing as one big war that is still ongoing - Colonialism and imperialism led to WW1, which led to Hitler's rise and WW2, which led to the circumstances that gave birth to the cold war and also added to the troubles in Palsetine/Israel. That is a simplified explanation but hopefully you know what I mean.

War does not make one great.

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Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
I too am fascinated by WW2, Hitler's rise to power, and the final solution.

You ever read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by Shirer? I read probably about 100, 150 pages when I was in high school. Very, very interesting read that I hope to come back to one day. My father knew someone from Germany. She told him that they were not Nazis, but they went to a rally somewhere to hear the demon speak, and before she knew it they were in tears and on their knees. I am completely convinced he was a demon with powers to persuade millions.

I see some people saying they find the cold-war era more intersting. I tend to look at the whole thing as one big war that is still ongoing - Colonialism and imperialism led to WW1, which led to Hitler's rise and WW2, which led to the circumstances that gave birth to the cold war and also added to the troubles in Palsetine/Israel. That is a simplified explanation but hopefully you know what I mean.


I see peace as only being the period of time between wars. Regrettably, there has almost never been a time without war on this planet.

Nemo me impune lacessit

http://ttrim.blogspot.com
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Originally posted by: JediSage
I am completely convinced he was a demon with powers to persuade millions.
You actually mean that, in the supernatural sense? Interesting idea.

P.S. I haven't read that book, but will check it out. I have a list of Sage recommended books as long as my arm

War does not make one great.

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Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
Originally posted by: JediSage
I am completely convinced he was a demon with powers to persuade millions. You actually mean that, in the supernatural sense? Interesting idea.


I wholeheartedly mean it. I believe he was at minimum influenced by supernatural forces.

P.S. I haven't read that book, but will check it out. I have a list of Sage recommended books as long as my arm


LOL! It's a fantastic book, from what I remember. Give yourself time, though. About as big as a Chinese Phonebook...

Nemo me impune lacessit

http://ttrim.blogspot.com
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Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
I too am fascinated by WW2, Hitler's rise to power, and the final solution. If you guys are ever in England I'll take you to the Imperial War Museum and RAF hendon. While I was working in a hospital I met a guy who fought in the D-Day landings and the Korean War. Of the two, he said Korea was worse.

I see some people saying they find the cold-war era more intersting. I tend to look at the whole thing as one big war that is still ongoing - Colonialism and imperialism led to WW1, which led to Hitler's rise and WW2, which led to the circumstances that gave birth to the cold war and also added to the troubles in Palsetine/Israel. That is a simplified explanation but hopefully you know what I mean.


you could take that one step further and say that terrorism is also a product of the cold war and WW2
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I have always felt that the word terrorism as it is currently used is a misnomer. Terror has always been a tool of the governing class, used to beat their opponents and their own citizenry into submission. Terror, or the application of terror in this context is nothing new. For example, when armies in the middle-ages would put entire villiages to the torch and slaughter entire populations, the terror of the people was at least a hoped for by-product.

I think a distinction needs to be made between the tactics of our current enemies and their desire to breed terror. Just a different means to reach the same end. In the past it was called "guerilla" tactics, which denoted a movement of a far-inferior group (in terms of weaponry, finances, support, etc) fought a non-conventional campaign against a superior foe, ie: Ireland, The American Revolution, etc.
Nemo me impune lacessit

http://ttrim.blogspot.com
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Originally posted by: JediSage
I have always felt that the word terrorism as it is currently used is a misnomer. Terror has always been a tool of the governing class, used to beat their opponents and their own citizenry into submission. Terror, or the application of terror in this context is nothing new. For example, when armies in the middle-ages would put entire villiages to the torch and slaughter entire populations, the terror of the people was at least a hoped for by-product.

I think a distinction needs to be made between the tactics of our current enemies and their desire to breed terror. Just a different means to reach the same end. In the past it was called "guerilla" tactics, which denoted a movement of a far-inferior group (in terms of weaponry, finances, support, etc) fought a non-conventional campaign against a superior foe, ie: Ireland, The American Revolution, etc.


hahaha ok your ight jedi, i didnt mean it directly, i was refering to all the conflicts with islamic fanatic and islamic nations, i should have clarified that.
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No, hey cool. I understand you. I just think that, unfortunately, a terrified populace is sadly nothig new...
Nemo me impune lacessit

http://ttrim.blogspot.com
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yeah, well they always say the easiest way to supress a dieing society is with fear.
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Yes Shim, I agree that today's 'terror' situation can be linked to WW2 and the cold war, as well as a number of other 20th century events, and some pre-20th century. Like Sage said, peace is just the time between wars.

War does not make one great.

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yeah, man its just hurts when you look at history and you see how the events and mentalities of today came about. we are pretty much paying for the sins of our grandfathers... well no tmy grandfather cause he lived in india and was just as opressed as all ther other people where the fanatics come from. you look at the british empire and how they pretty much cut up the middle-east as if it was a puzzle, and how the UN created isreal out of no where, its just a joke when you look back on it. (i just look at the idea of the creation of isreal, in the way it was made and think. Yeah thats a GREAT idea, cause thats NOT going to piss the islamic population off, here they are fighting for 1000 years over that very soil, for that soil. and all of a sudden they are thrown off as if they are little kids playing on there parents bed) but alas that is my rant of the day. and dont take me the wrong way i know that jews needed a place after the holocast, but look at it from the eyes of the palistinians. how would you feel if all of a sudden it was decided that the northeastern seaboard was an islamic state, and that all the people that live there have to leave immediately with no reperations for there land or anything.