The beginning of World War II did not start with Pearl Harbor. The world was at war long before the Japanese bombed the American island. Seeking raw materials to fuel its growing industries, Japan invaded the Chinese province of Manchuria in 1931. By 1937 Japan controlled large sections of China. Japan then conquered several islands in the Pacific for additional raw material and expanded its Imperial Empire.
In 1933, Adolf Hitler came to power. Once Hitler was entrenched and declared ruler for life, he began to conquer territory he believed, either belonged to Germany, or had no right to exist as a sovereign nation. These countries included: Austria, March 12, 1938; Sudetenland, Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, October 1, 1938; Sudetenland, Moravia-Silesia, Czechoslovakia, October 1 1938, and others.
On September 1, 1939 Hitler invaded Poland and World War II in Europe officially began. The United States would remain neutral for another two years.
In 1940, in an attempt to force Churchill and Great Britain to surrender, Hitler pounded the British island, day and night, with continuous air assaults. Hitler also attempted to blockade the island and deny its citizens basic goods and services. This period in time was so-called, “the Battle of Britain.”
On October 29, 1922, Benito Mussolini became the leader of Italy. In 1925, Mussolini declared himself dictator and imposed a fascist regime in Italy. In 1935, Mussolini invaded Abyssinia, now Ethiopia. He also provided military support to Nationalist, Francisco Franco of Spain. Franco was at the time entrenched in a Civil War.
So, my point is that the world was in turmoil long before December 7, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor, you might say, just further defined the boundaries between the Allies and the Axis powers. The attack ended United States neutrality and provided a reason, a purpose, for entering the world conflict. Once Japan attacked, the United States declared war on Japan, and Germany declared war on the United States. Following Germany’s declaration, the United States declared war on Germany.
I recently heard a narrative by Julia R. Hartman on Instagram. During this narrative, Hartman reported that today’s world climate is similar to that of the 1930’s and 1940’s. The actors are just different. I can’t agree more and the following observations are noted.
Russia is now entering its second year of war with Ukraine. Although experts predict that Russia has turned the tide and will soon win, this has yet to be seen. Remember Britain’s Prime Minister before Churchill, Neville Chamberlin, was close to surrendering to Hitler if the terms were right. Then Churchill’s resolve forced Hitler to forgo an all-out invasion of Britain. Instead, Hitler invaded Russia.
On October 27, 2023, Israel invaded Gaza. The invasion was retaliation for the bloody attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023. There is no end in sight for the Israelis, nor peace between Israel and the Arab community. Many Arabic nations may be forced to take sides, if the conflict draws on. The United States has always vowed to come to the aid of Israel. In the present conflict, we already see United States Navy ships in the Mediterranean Sea protecting Israeli interests.
China’s increasing military presence in the South China Sea could be a prelude to armed conflict if it invades Taiwan, a country they believe rightfully belongs to China. The United States has vowed to protect Taiwan with military force should China invade. Many military analysists predict this would be the Pearl Harbor of the 21stCentury, potentially causing World War III.
North Korea continues to test long range missiles without much success, thankfully. Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, is determined to become a nuclear super power. There is only one saving grace behind North Korea’s quest for nuclear arms. Most of the world is not ready for Kim Jong to have access to a nuclear bomb.
Now, how are all these events connected? The United States has a strategic interest in each of these countries. We have vowed to come to their defense (Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan) should they face attack from foreign countries.
In regards to Israel, our commitment is fairly clear. Since the nation of Israel was created in 1948, the United States has vowed to come to its defense in time of need. Since its independence, Israel has been in several conflicts with its Arab neighbors. The U.S. has assisted Israel by providing weapons and military intelligence as needed. But what if Israel should need more? What if Israel is invaded by a number of its Arab neighbors all at the same time? (This is not so far-fetched and occurred once before.) Suddenly, Israel needs more than weapons or intelligence from the U.S. Israel now needs U.S. troops to protect one of its many borders.
In regards to Taiwan, our commitment is similar to that of Israel. The U.S. has vowed to protect Taiwan should China attempt to take the island back. China’s Premier, Xi Jinping, has opined that it is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’
Taiwan will return to China.
For Ukraine, our commitment is not so clear as that of Israel or Taiwan. Since the fall of communism, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) wishes Ukraine to enter the organization. However, Putin continues to respond to the NATO rhetoric by reminding the world, Ukraine was a part of Russia long before NATO was formed. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, NATO and its members have provided unprecedented levels of support. Since the U.S. is a part of NATO, we must also come to the aid of Ukraine should it ask for support. According to the charter, that would include troop support.
At no time in the past 100 years has the world been in such turmoil, as to boil over into an all-out world at war. This time the stakes are much higher. Today we have sophisticated weapons such as; nuclear and biological grade weapons, and cybertechnological warfare. I have touched on only a few of the countries in turmoil. These are the ones that make headlines. They make news because any of these countries coming together to form military alliances will definitely change the world dynamic, and this will not be good for civilization.
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