Interesting discussion. I fancy that I know a thing or two about WW2, but I did not actually know that Russia had a planned attack date. You wouldn't think so, considering how under-equipped their overall infantry was in the early 40's. I also heard about that sub carrying nuclear information to Japan after the fall of Germany, Kakero. I'd like to read some correspondence between Germany and Japan, Germany and Italy, and Germany and Finland to get a better idea of the nature Axis alliance.
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Originally posted by Dalamar Stormcrow:
A better question: Would WW2 ever have happened if the French tried to liberate the Rhineland from Nazi invasion?
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If you're talking about modern military interventionism, that's an interesting question. Especially since national socialism, IMO, is best examined from a social perspective, one that points towards the punishing Treaty of Versailles as a catalyst for the rise of Nazi Germany. France, amongst the victors of WW1 and signatories/host of that treaty, could be argued to be partially responsible for the events leading to WW2.
But it seems France was preparing to keep the world out rather than intervene. The Maginot line and the focus on defensive (unfortunately for them, rather immobile) tactics serve as examples through that ill-fated 1940 campaign. Also recall that, generally speaking (excuse the simplification), WW1 marked the end of the 'Age of Imperialism'. From that point European powers would shrink in territory, access to resources, and thus political influence eroded somewhat. France had its own problems, and may have been said to have been consolidating its former power in the time between ww1 and 2. It does make me wonder if France could have pulled it off if they struck early though. Now that I think about it, that makes me wonder if Britain would have ever declared war on Germany in that case.
Oh well, speculation is just so...speculative [img]smile.gif[/img]