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While reading the New York Times book review (Friday, 1 February 08), I was called up short, in my own thinking, by the notion that there was any positive effect of WW-II, but it appears several writers and researchers have proposed that the war led to the unintended positive consequence of the influx of talented, tested, terrific artists who fled, with success, both Hitler and Stalin's war torn landscapes.
Joseph Horowitz' book focuses only on the performing arts, but in this same era, visual artists, scientists, and ordinary folks flocked to the US, many of whom, today, are icons of the U.S.
Is this a thesis you acknowledge, endorse or have ever considered?
Absolutely! Had the Japanese not bombed Pearl Harbor, the U.S. would not have joined the war until Hitler was ready for us. Had the Titanic not sunk (sank?), the International Ice Patrol would not have started, saving countless lives since. Nobody has died from an iceberg since. Now, had 9/11 not occured, future history readers may see that again, the giant has awakened. It's amazing that out of the ashes, the Phoenix will triumph over adversity every time.
An unfortunate outcome of WWII also led to the Cold War Conflict in Korea.
Korea's position in the Asian world made it prone to "spheres of influence" from other stronger powers such as Japan. After the war the two sides of Korea were influenced byu forces such as: Russia, China, Japan, and the US. South Korea held free elections whereas North Korea did not. The DMZ is evident in the country to this day and it is now a relatively rural wildlife area. North Korea had support from the Russians after WWII. The Cold War had many complexities that were not well understood at the time.
Well, one of the most significant outcomes of WW II was the indepence and self-determination for India, and the many nations of Africa and South-East Asia. Now in truth the success of many of these countries has yet to be proven - even after 50 years or so. However, in the long run their self-determination will no doubt turn out to be both inevitable and a good thing (however ugly it may appear now).
Prior to WW II the fact is that Europe pretty much controled the entire Eastern Hemisphere. After the war the Europeans lost control of virtually all of it. In fact, Britain had to essentially promise independence to India in order to "bribe" the Indians to supply much-needed troops in the fight against the Axis.
Well, one of the most significant outcomes of WW II was the indepence and self-determination for India, and the many nations of Africa and South-East Asia. Now in truth the success of many of these countries has yet to be proven - even after 50 years or so. However, in the long run their self-determination will no doubt turn out to be both inevitable and a good thing (however ugly it may appear now).
Prior to WW II the fact is that Europe pretty much controled the entire Eastern Hemisphere. After the war the Europeans lost control of virtually all of it. In fact, Britain had to essentially promise independence to India in order to "bribe" the Indians to supply much-needed troops in the fight against the Axis.
Ken
Regarding Britain 'bribing' the Indians to fight with the allies...did this play a factor in Ghandi's crusade somehow? It was on last night, just wondering.
Regarding Britain 'bribing' the Indians to fight with the allies...did this play a factor in Ghandi's crusade somehow? It was on last night, just wondering.
Yes it did. This was the period in which Gandhi's "Quit India" movement was born (one of many Indian Independence organizations). There was a great deal of resentment of the British expectations that India supply troops for the war so that England and her possessions could remain free from Hitler's yoke, while Britain held India in bondage herself. Britain responded to this resentment (and the "Quit India" movement) both by using force to crush the movement and hinting at independence after the war (ie the "carrot and the stick").
I think World War II reverberated throughout every aspect of our lives. Here are just a few things on my list:
1) It ended the Great Depression
2) It ended Colonialism
3) It created greater awareness of rights for women and minorities
4) It created an extraordinary range of scientific, medical, and technical innovation
5) It led to the concept of broadbased education after high school
6) It created a greater sense of cooperation between the main political powers after the war
7) It directly led to the use of space for peaceful purposes
I think World War II reverberated throughout every aspect of our lives. Here are just a few things on my list:
1) It ended the Great Depression
2) It ended Colonialism
3) It created greater awareness of rights for women and minorities
4) It created an extraordinary range of scientific, medical, and technical innovation
5) It led to the concept of broadbased education after high school
6) It created a greater sense of cooperation between the main political powers after the war
7) It directly led to the use of space for peaceful purposes
One of the more controversial results was the founding of Israel. Either a positive or a disaster, depending on your point of view.
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