Hitler put Russians on Death Ground - Sarah Paine

Dwarkesh Patel9 minutes read

Russia persevered against German forces, producing advanced tanks under communism, while Ukraine's resistance in Crimea shifted its national identity. Japan's surrender in 1945 stemmed from exhaustion and Emperor Hirohito's acceptance of defeat, showcasing the tragic consequences of missed opportunities during World War II.

Insights

  • Russia's ability to withstand German forces, even in the face of significant soldier losses, and maintain a functioning government under communism showcases a remarkable resilience not seen in previous conflicts, such as World War I.
  • The complex interplay of historical events, such as Ukraine's initial acceptance of Germans due to Stalin's famine, followed by fierce resistance when faced with mass graves, underscores the intricate dynamics of war, identity, and the human response to extreme circumstances.

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Recent questions

  • How did Russia fare against German forces?

    Russia remained resilient despite soldier losses, producing advanced tanks.

  • What concept explains Ukraine's resistance to Germans?

    The concept of "death ground" explains Ukraine's fierce resistance.

  • How did the invasion of Crimea impact Ukraine's identity?

    The invasion highlighted Ukraine's shift towards a national identity.

  • What was the U.S. strategy of unconditional surrender?

    The U.S. strategy differed from Germany and Japan's objectives.

  • How did Emperor Hirohito's intervention impact Japan?

    Hirohito's intervention showcased Japan's exhaustion and defeat.

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Summary

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Resilience and Tragedy: World War II Insights

  • Russia remained resilient against German forces despite significant soldier losses, with a government that didn't collapse like the Zars in World War I, producing advanced tanks in large numbers under communism.
  • The concept of "death ground" from Sunzo's translation explains the necessity to fight when faced with certain death, as seen in Ukraine welcoming Germans initially due to Stalin's famine, only to resist fiercely when faced with mass graves.
  • The invasion of Crimea in 2014 highlighted Ukraine's shift towards a national identity, with Russians targeting loyalists and forging a sense of unity through conflict, akin to the U.S. forging identity post-Revolutionary War and Civil War.
  • The U.S. strategy of unconditional surrender differed from Germany and Japan's total objectives, with Japan's high morale stemming from cultural obligations and fear of dishonor in failure, leading to exhaustion and eventual surrender in 1945.
  • Emperor Hirohito's intervention at the war's end, breaking a deadlock and accepting defeat, showcased the exhaustion and shattering of Japan's economy and morale, with the realization that further resistance was futile.
  • The tragic potential of Japan allying with Nationalists to prevent Communist takeover in Russia and China, avoiding the consequences of Communism, highlights the missed opportunity and the tragic outcomes of Japan's choices during World War II.
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