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Ok, so he's not glorified here (unlike Japan where he is a virtual god) but you have to admit there is surprisingly little negative sentiment toward the architect of the Pearl Harbor attack. Contrast that to German leaders who are invariably remembered as "Nazi Thugs" and the absolute worst monsters humanity has ever produced or Italy who apparently was run solely by big bully Mussolini (can you remember the name of another WWII Italian leader off the top of your head? ) or even Emperor Hirohito, who is remembered mostly as a wiener.
Just wondering why?
Last edited by Chango; 12-11-2012 at 07:27 PM..
Reason: Spelling...
The Holocaust has a lot to do with the negativity for the Nazis. Yamamoto was a professional warrior who planned professional operations (leaving aside the suprise of Pearl Harbor). He also was killed partway through the War. Had he not been he likely would have stood trial as a Japanese war criminal with Tojo and Homma.
I think perhaps because of his statement on awkening a sleeping giant which came true. But he is not considered the greatest japanese admiral by japanese historians.In fact he made alot of mistakes midway in the war until his death.
Ok, so he's not glorified here (unlike Japan where he is a virtual god) but you have to admit there is surprisingly little negative sentiment toward the architect of the Pearl Harbor attack. Contrast that to German leaders who are invariably remembered as "Nazi Thugs" and the absolute worst monsters humanity has ever produced or Italy who apparently was run solely by big bully Mussolini (can you remember the name of another WWII Italian leader off the top of your head? ) or even Emperor Hirohito, who is remembered mostly as a wiener.
Just wondering why?
A better comparison would be with Rommel, who was not a German political leader -- like Yamamoto, with Japan. Neither was setting foreign policy but carrying out military plans set forth. Like Yamamoto, Rommel is fairly respected in the West.
As someone else said, Yamamoto's personal feelings that attacking the U.S. was a bad idea probably helps. Similarly, Rommel's association with the July 22 plot probably helps him as well.
Yamamoto was always opposed to war with the United States, and for this he has been well regarded by history. He knew the USA well, having studied at Harvard for two years and being a naval attache in Washington DC. He spoke fluent English and liked and respected Americans. He knew that Japan had no chance of winning a sustained war with America. In spite of all this, he felt honor bound under the Code of Bushido and as a patriot, to prepare and plan his nation for war to the best of his abilities. His hope and plan was for Japan to score decisive early victories and then achieve a negotiated peace with America, although he was not optimistic about this happening, which of course, came true.
I've always been fascinated at the concept that people have of Yamamoto as a "brilliant/succesful commander". Certainly he spurned many innovations in the Japanese fleet, but outside of Pearl Harbor, his other major offensives were either fought to a draw (Port Morseby/Coral Sea) or unmitigated disaster (Midway).
Yamamoto was always opposed to war with the United States, and for this he has been well regarded by history. He knew the USA well, having studied at Harvard for two years and being a naval attache in Washington DC. He spoke fluent English and liked and respected Americans. He knew that Japan had no chance of winning a sustained war with America. In spite of all this, he felt honor bound under the Code of Bushido and as a patriot, to prepare and plan his nation for war to the best of his abilities. His hope and plan was for Japan to score decisive early victories and then achieve a negotiated peace with America, although he was not optimistic about this happening, which of course, came true.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NJGOAT
I've always been fascinated at the concept that people have of Yamamoto as a "brilliant/succesful commander". Certainly he spurned many innovations in the Japanese fleet, but outside of Pearl Harbor, his other major offensives were either fought to a draw (Port Morseby/Coral Sea) or unmitigated disaster (Midway).
Well I guess there isn't much left for me to say.
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) or even Emperor Hirohito, who is remembered mostly as a wiener. 
