The Enduring Legacy and Myths of America in World War II
 
Last Wednesday Dr. Henry Weisser examined the American role in WWII and the myths created and major achievements of American society both in the war itself, and as a result of the war.  According to Weisser:
WWII was the largest single event in history, involving nations on all continents except Antarctica
Estimates are that between 50 and 60 million died.  50 million would be equivalent to 16,667 World Trade Centers.  
The war lasted 2174 days, averaging 22,999 people dying each day.
WWII was the first time genocide was officially recognized as a crime against humanity.
The war involved massive state-sponsored terrorism through the bombing of citizen populations.  
For the first time, women and minorities were employed in previously all-male, all white jobs in the defense industry.
The full employment brought about by the war brought millions into the middle class, and created a massive industrial base, later leading to US economic dominance world-wide.
The GI bill caused a huge expansion of education, housing and business.
At least one Japanese bomb transported by balloon exploded near Timnath, scaring a number of cows, but causing no damage.  
As a result of pre-war conversations and agreements, the word “appeasement” became a very negative term.  
The US supplied 25% of all Allied troops during the war, and suffered 2% of all Allied deaths.  
Russia claims to have suffered 64% of all Allied deaths, including at least 1.2 million at Stalingrad, more than the US suffered during the entire war.  
Americans tend to believe WWII was a ‘good war’, because the enemy were evil oppressors.
According to Dr. Weisser, while the D-Day invasion was a magnificent achievement, the greatest amphibious invasion every carried out, the tide of the way had already turned and Germany in full retreat before the Russian army, the victors in the immense battles of Moscow, Stalingrad and Kursk.  At least 3 of 4 German casualties, perhaps even more, had occurred on the eastern front.
The US industrial machine did supply massive amounts of war material and support to Great Britain, Russia and other Allied nations fighting prior to the US’s entry after December 7, 1941, and 25% of all troops engaged in fighting the Axis nations thereafter to the end of the war.  
The US was the primary, though not solitary, fighting force in the Pacific theater, and came to dominate the Pacific rim thereafter.  
Weisser asserts that Hitler did not come to power by violence, since he was legally made chancellor in 1933.
Weisser’s final point: The us won the war bigtime: our enemies were crushed and over time viable democracies were established in Germany and Japan. We had a sense of unity, something so lacking today.