I thought that this might be a good debate. From my time reading the SDMB and seeing the various comments, I’ve seen, from time to time, a difference of opinion on Americas role in WWII, most specifically on what impact America had on the war in Europe. Most recently, there were a few digs by Europeans on this thread implying that Americans have some misconceptions on what we did and did not do during the war, and generally on our impact. If we have some misconceptions, I thought this would be a perfect chance to debate the issue and maybe clear the air some. So:
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Americans seem to think that, without their help (both in providing arms and equipment to the allied powers and in sending troops) that the war in Europe would of been lost to Germany. Is this a misconception or true? Please elaborate.
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Americans, especially the older generation that actually lived during those times, and fought ‘over there’ seem to think that Europe should be grateful for our help in their war (this is mostly anacdotal from my own grandfather who fought with the 101st in Europe and his buddies I’ve talked too). Is this a fair assessment of Americans attitude? Is it fair for them to expect gratitude from the Europeans? Is that gratitude even deserved, or could Europe of won their war against the axis powers nicely without our butting in?
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Its been brought up several times that America didn’t enter the war until late in the game (from the Europeans perspective) and that they were basically just there for the kill. Is this a fair assessment of Europes attitude? Is it a fair assessment of the actual facts? On the Americans side, the perception is that the war was generally nearly over for Europe when we entered (Most of Europe conquered, only Britan and Russia holding out and then only by a thread). Is this incorrect? Was the war turning around before American intervention?
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Is the fighting ability of the American troops sent over also disputed in comparison to those of the other allies over there? (I don’t have the link atm, but I remember several people saying that Americans didn’t really do much as far as the fighting goes, and weren’t really very effective compared to the other allies…this would certainly be a matter of contention as most Americans percieve the opposite).
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What other misconceptions of the war do Americans have from a Europeans perspective? (hopefully this is a good catch all for other points I’ve missed from a Europeans perspective…please feel free to add any I missed).
I hope that this turns out to be an interesting and informative debate. I’m not a historian myself, I’ve only been interested in WWII as I had relatives that fought (and some died) over there and in the Pacific. One request I have though…please, lets have no Bush references in this debate. It seems almost automatic that SOMEONE will ALWAYS bring him into whatever is being debated, no matter how irrevelant it is to the debate (I think its nearly a law of the board that the longer a debate goes, the more assured that someone will bring him or the administration up).
Thanks all for your participation,
XT