There were some interesting comments and articles yesterday on the anniversary of Pearl Harbour Day, December 7, 1941. One interesting article was by a decorated historian. I read it in a hard copy newspaper and am having problems remembering where I read it so I'll try and recapture it. On 12/7/41 The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour and first wiped out American air defenses then destroyed most of American warships in the Harbour. Between 2-3000 Americans died in the attack somewhat less than the number of people who died as a result of the 9-11 attacks. After 12/7/41 America took on 3 enemy nations, Germany, Italy, and Japan and fought on 3 continents; Africa, Europe, and Asia. America was in alliance with many nations including Russia, Great Britain, and many others. After 9/11 America has engaged in 2 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The US has substantial numbers of allies with regard to Afganistan and less with regard to Iraq. America had a much smaller population in 1941 (my guess about 150 million) and increased total military size to 8.4 million soldiers during WWII. America has hit a population of 300 million now and has a total military population of about 1.4 million which has basically been consistant in size since 9/11/01. America was much poorer in 1941 coming out of the depression while America is dramatically wealthier with far more resources now. Approximately 400,000 Americans died during WWII with huge monthly losses versus several thousand American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq plus other American deaths in those countries plus the 3,000 plus during 9-11. Following the end of WWII and the crushing and total defeat of the enemies American soldiers and diplomats enforced the development of Democracies in Germany, Italy, and Japan accompanied by large forces staying within the nations. Currently America is trying to encourage and develop democracies in nations where there is ongoing conflict and uprisings and peace or stability have not been mandated and enforced. (paraphrased from the article) Currently America is the military super power in the world. But we are having military problems in quelling continued fighting in both Afghanistan and Iraq. I would certainly not call America all powerful....but America has all kinds of power if it focuses its resources in a comprehensive and unified way with regard to wars and other issues (space flight and landing men on the Moon for example). Without these unified and comprehensive efforts it would seem America is not that powerful or effective. I just thought this was an interesting article and perspective.
A verry interesting comparison EarlPearl, especially since when I got home after work yesturday, I was actually shown an article about a family that had 6 brothers all on the same ship at pearl harbor, all of whom survived, and all 6 of whom survived the later sinking of another naval vessel. Further, at one time they had 8 brothers serving on the same naval ship, and a father doing state side recrutment. All of them survived the war save the father, who died of cancer.