The Second World Wars with Victor Davis Hanson | Water

Begin the full course now at bit.ly/2QNweOV to watch the other free lectures, including an introduction from Larry P. Arnn.
This is the third lecture in our free online course on World War II featuring military historian Victor Davis Hanson.
World War II, the greatest armed conflict in human history, encompassed global fighting in unprecedented ways. This course analyzes Allied and Axis investments and strategies that led one side to win and the other to lose. It also considers how the war’s diverse theaters, belligerents, and ways of fighting came eventually to define a single war.
Hillsdale College is an independent institution of higher learning founded in 1844 by men and women “grateful to God for the inestimable blessings” resulting from civil and religious liberty and “believing that the diffusion of learning is essential to the perpetuity of these blessings.” It pursues the stated object of the founders: “to furnish all persons who wish, irrespective of nation, color, or sex, a literary, scientific, [and] theological education” outstanding among American colleges “and to combine with this such moral and social instruction as will best develop the minds and improve the hearts of its pupils.” As a nonsectarian Christian institution, Hillsdale College maintains “by precept and example” the immemorial teachings and practices of the Christian faith.
The College also considers itself a trustee of our Western philosophical and theological inheritance tracing to Athens and Jerusalem, a heritage finding its clearest expression in the American experiment of self-government under law.
By training the young in the liberal arts, Hillsdale College prepares students to become leaders worthy of that legacy. By encouraging the scholarship of its faculty, it contributes to the preservation of that legacy for future generations. By publicly defending that legacy, it enlists the aid of other friends of free civilization and thus secures the conditions of its own survival and independence.

[@heartpursuer]

As an 81 year old Army vet, I never tire of hearing how the Allies won the Big One, and no one tells those stories better than Victor Davis Hanson. I minored in history at college, and never had a professor as interesting as Professor Hanson. Too bad. I might have paid more attention.

[@Music-lx1tf]

We did our part but if you wanna know who really won the second World War? It was the Russians.

[@whatsyurprob158]

I'm learned, and I salute you 😘 🇺🇸

[@jimrobcoyle]

Yes,we did assist Russia in that Victory.

[@cosmiccowboyfg300]

​@@jimrobcoyleand, we sent millions of LendLease dollars to a thoroughly corrupt Stalin who had killed millions of his citizens. That didn't bother us in WWII. Stalin was a necessary compromise to beat the Nazis. Putin invaded Ulraine under false pretenses in 14', and in 22'. We may not approve of Zelensky's corruption, which we shouldn't, but we can't let Putin start a an illegal war without there being consequences.

[@SeattlePioneer]

Which victory? The victory over Japan? The USSR did make war on Japan ---aft6er one atomic bomb had already been dropped. And Russia entry into that war was significant in convincing the Japanese emperor to surrender. So yes, I'd call that an assist. As a Stalinist yourself, I'm sure you are aware that the USSR became an ally of Germany in 1939 and helped attack and dismember Poland. Stalin certainly hoped for war, and hoped that Europe would beat itself to exhaustion as in WWI ---and then he anticipated sweeping in and grabbing up everything with a minimum of losses. Imagine Stalin's horror when France folded and he found himself alone with Hitler! When Hitler attacked USSR, Stalin no longer had the luxury of standing back, he had to beat a stupefying effort out of his people, and needed all the supplies and armaments he could get for free from the United States and Britain. So in the end, it was the United States that swept in at the end and grabbed up most of the marbles with a minimum losses --- the strategy Stalin WANTED but didn't get. And meanwhile the United States fought the Japanese to the point of defeat largely on it's own, while the USSR was NEUTRAL for most of the war. I give Stalin credit for FLOGGING a stupefying war making effort out of his population. But it's very likely that the massive aid of the United States and Britain prevented the military collapse of the USSR. But go right ahead and keep polishing the behavior of Staling, the bloodiest dictator of the 20th century, and that includes Hitler. The only thing I'd say about Stalin is that he was a SOB like Hitler, but he was OUR SOB.

[@rjc63]

VDH is a national treasure. I enjoy listening to his vast knowledge on WW2

[@johnburns4017]

A treasure made with fools gold. :)

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Agree 100%. A truly great man in a world that’s been so long w/out greatness that it’s no longer recognized nor appreciated.

[@graham6132]

He’s racist

[@susanmehler5214]

Agreed

[@danielhagan921]

Not so, JB, he's SOLID GOLD!

[@lisafeck1537]

Thank you Hillsdale College for bringing Victor D Hansen to all if us. God bless you for this great service to America. This teaching should be required for every American citizen, with a comprehensive test after watching. I know the Chinese are also paykng attention to this man's teaching.

[@curtflory7147]

I agree! The horrifying issue is that now the US has outsourced much of it's manufacturing to China, so if we did have another WW, who would be able to switch their manufacturing over to build war machines. AND, most, if not all, our iron foundries are shut down; same, outsourced. We have put ourselves in a VERY bad place, and act as if the last WW will be the last forever, so why be prepared for another? This seems to play into the same sort of mindset that Germany and Italy had with Naval power. God help us!

[@jackjones3657]

Listening to one of Dr. Hansen's rich lectures is like taking a world-class college course without the indoctrination and revisionist bologna. Thank You!

[@EricB1]

It actually is a course: online.hillsdale.edu/landing/the-second-world-wars

[@teedepefanio5687]

Well said... whoever said "lies" is an idiot.. it already happened, literally and exactly, in this fashion.

[@michaelmakowsky2670]

@Min Tin?

[@michaelmakowsky2670]

@Min Tin qq

[@geralddinallo4188]

Ted rue 9 8 2020

[@JB-uo9qo]

I don't think we could do something like that again. One thing he touched on was that every time we took an island we had an aircraft carrier for land based aircraft which had larger fuel capacities. One helluva an effort and Thank You Dear God for my parents being of that Finest Generation. I could not have asked for better!

[@errolkim1334]

And... This stuff is free. Its. Free. Free college classes on KZbin for everyone.

[@cfneal1459]

God bless America! God bless the Internet! Ahhh --- God bless us one & all! wwg1wga

[@frankpaya690]

A free education Problem with education is so many people don't know what they want to do, they are expecting an educator to tell them what they're supposed to do.so they wouldn't know what to do with a free education if it was all there for the taking.

[@cfneal1459]

@@frankpaya690 I think maybe you're confusing "free education" with "free schooling"'; one a life-long choice of experiences, the other a SYSTEM of indoctrination. j/s

[@joesragman8717]

But will anyone truly listen and reflect on such wisdom?

[@johnkeeley167]

Victor Davis Hanson is a national treasure. If students are serious about education U Tube videos such as this will wreck the college education system. We need to have face to face instruction or say goodbye to colleges and universities.

[@shumzai]

I just love his lectures and speeches. They all give a sense of calm, reasoning and reflection during this chaotic time.

[@rachelbuckner3786]

Love dr Hanson. So glad to find his lectures. He has an amazing memory to explain all those details.

[@araeagle3829]

Truly Magnificent! I could listen to Victor Davis Hansen all day.

[@w8stral]

If only his facts were correct..... He did get the main points correct even if his specifics were woefully incorrect.

[@BJETNT]

I like your comment! It's nice to see someone else that's greatfull for the video and not just bashing on it. Nothing but classy 👌

[@kevinlwiltfong7941]

w8stral what did Victor state incorrectly?

[@NathanJennings1222]

Hansen is both incredibly knowledgeable and an eloquent speaker. A truly refined academic.

[@kathycaldwell7126]

Me too. Hansen is an outstanding scholar.

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

I took the course on WW2 offered by Hillsdale College online. Dr. Hanson was the instructor for the entirety. I HIGHLY recommend it.

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

So comprehensive and clear as to be almost simplistic. At the same time I learned concepts I never considered before. Time well spent.

[@trashpanda314]

Amazing the information he has retained and can communicate so effectively. Much prefer this style presentation, rather than the jazzed up tv crap.

[@hughcards]

My thoughts are exactly. .

[@user-he7fu7ye4m]

I especially like listening to your podcasts. I can work in my yard and listen to your words of wisdom for an hour at a time. Just discovered the VDH KZbin channel. Now I can listen to your KZbin Channel Shows too. 36 year retired professional Fire Captain. Thank you VDH!

[@johnmcclellan9020]

Just knowledge with no hype so refreshing. Keep it coming Victor we need to be educated.

[@Chris-um3se]

Riveting ...this is beyond BRILLIANT. Thank you VDH.

[@roylittle5809]

Most insightful person I have heard. If only all who love this country could hear him before this critical election.

[@michaelboyd7508]

VDH is the greatest living classicist and historian, bar none

[@genesisplus4325]

you make him sound like a tape media recording device, just say victor.

[@virgorising7388]

He is that, for sure. He locks into a dimension of one subject (WWII in this case) and draws you in until you understand that dimension and how it is linked to every other aspect of that history. VDH has opened my eyes to a whole new world of naval achievement. He's the modern day Patrick O'Brien with his in-depth knowledge of naval warfare, and just as entertaining.

[@w8stral]

Well, the "greatest" I would assume would get their facts correct....

[@kevinlwiltfong7941]

w8stral you make aspersions without providing evidence. Typical of a shallow thinker who only knows how to complain.

[@w8stral]

@@kevinlwiltfong7941 No, I am not going to write a treatise on youtube. Let me regurgitate; He got the main themes right but ruins it by stating completely incorrect specifics.

[@gozimusable1]

Victor Davis Hanson is one of the most important individuals to grace our country

[@dale1956ties]

VDH routinely gives hour+ long talks that include specific dates and other often obscure details without so much as an index card of notes. Amazing.

[@chernobylcoleslaw6698]

This guy could read the phone book and I'd still be captivated. What's more he could probably do it by memory...

[@jamestiscareno4387]

My late father would have absolutely loved these lectures. They're terrific and brilliantly conveyed by Dr. Hanson. Thank you Sir.

[@lynnhauenstein4136]

VDH makes history come alive. And old trope, but wow, I wish he'd been my history teacher. I'd still be there waiting for next pearl to drop.

[@shanemedlin9400]

He is a national treasure.

[@157dixon]

How does this man do this? I could listen to him speak for hours on end.

[@soapbxprod]

He is truly remarkable!

[@davidsigalow7349]

I once had the pleasure of hearing him extemporize for 90 minutes about the Persian invasions of Greece. It was amazing.

[@jakebeach7056]

I've read more about WWII then I can remember. But, I've never heard such effective lectures arguing how the allies were able to use air/navel power against the axis. Awesome.

[@shanemedlin9400]

May I enquire your age?

[@6handicap604]

@Min Tin Then let Japan or Germany tell us how they won the war.

[@6handicap604]

@Min Tin That is one take on it. But who rebuilt japan and Germany after WWII? Ever hear of the Marshall plan? Did England lose it's colonies? Yes, a changing world, especially after the war. Fact of history, England was powerful enough to claim colonies in the 17 & 1800's but was not powerful enough to protect them in a world war. Why did England go bankrupt? Was it the war, was it the loss of colonies? Or was it that for some inexplicable reason, after fighting National Socialism for 5 years, England went socialist. They nationalized nearly all of their energy and industrial production. After WWII, there were basically only 2 industrialized powers left, Britain and the U.S. The rest of the world was clamoring for industrial goods in order to re-build. England priced themselves out of that boom, so went broke. The U.S. financed most of the Allies during WWII, and paid those debts off within 10 years, by suppling the world with goods. All depends on one's perspective and understanding of economics.

[@6handicap604]

@Min Tin Yes, I read books, a lot of books, of many different perspectives. This is how I learn and expand my mind, as do early everyone in the world. So this brings us to the penultimate question, how do you gain your knowledge? Stories your grandfather told? Old wives tales? Speaking of British tea, do you read the leaves in the bottom of the cup? Where do you get the information to formulate or change your opinion? Sheep sheeple? So where do you get YOUR sheep sheeple? The back of a cereal box?

[@teedepefanio5687]

@@6handicap604 well said, sir.. former sailor, here.. followed in my grandpas footsteps.. a WWII guy. If he were still here, he'd applaud you, as I'm doing this very moment. Thank you, good sir, for your comprehensive response to this malignant tumor of a person, who keeps trolling all the posts of the good doctor. Gratitude..

[@andrewjames9979]

I have loved history all my life, and other than cowboys and gangsters World War II is the first topic I really studied as a boy. Despite this I can’t remember ever hearing someone have such an interesting prospective on the war. This is why they say hindsight is 20/20

[@paulcarmichael596]

As a 73 year old baby boomer history and political science major I am awed when I listen to lectures of V.D.H. and his bringing of the information dealing with WW2. It makes me to want to get back in the classroom. Today very few institutions provide this quality of information.I wish I could be closer to this school so I could take advantage of all this information. I am further hampered by my relapsed MS. Victor keep us this 🇺🇸✝️excellent work. I really enjoy your programs.

[@bryanmahon7866]

This Gentleman needs to be the key advisor to every president. He looks at the whole picture, and why, this will work, or why it won't work... Such Brilliance needs to be taken advantage of.

[@kevinblackburn3198]

VDH is the reason I subscribe to KZbin

[@evelynsiegrist8311]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!

[@kevinloughrey5135]

Victor, I enjoy your work. I was surprised you did not mention Alexander de Seversky's influence on US doctrine regarding the essentiality of air power in the conduct of naval warfare. It was mandatory reading for me when I attended Command & Staff College many years ago and left an indelible mark on my consciousness which served me well when in a senior, influential staff position dealing with combat development. If you have the time I recommend you "paddle" in that pond. I think you would enjoy it immensely. All the very best. Keep up the good work.

[@fartface5172]

Do you have any other books you'd recommend?

[@kevinloughrey5135]

@@fartface5172 yes but it may not suit you if you have little interest in Anglo-centric history. Another book which left a lasting impression on me was by Brigadier Simpson on the fall of Singapore. Simpson was sent by Churchill to strengthen the defences of the island but Perceival interfered with this work at every opportunity.

[@Owen4x800relay]

What a joy to listen to! My grandfather was on one of the Essex class carriers (USS Bennington) during the war.

[@trashpanda314]

My thoughts exactly. Just thought I'd chime in that I lost my great grandfather on the USS Ticonderoga. He was killed in action by a kamikaze attack, awarded the Silver Star, and subsequently buried at sea.

[@bearowen5480]

@@trashpanda314 Since WWII, enlisting in and serving aboard ship in the US Navy has been a vastly safer choice in terms of life and limb than the Marines or the Army. This is because of the modern naval supremacy that Dr. Hansen speaks of. Today, however, we too often forget that this was not the case in WWII where the suicidally human-piloted Kamikaze missile too often turned our ships into flaming floating coffins. Let us never forget the incredible sacrifices that were made by US Navy Sailors and Merchant Mariners in the Pacific War. God bless your great grandfather who courageously lost his life in the Naval Service. His sacrifice was not made in vain.

[@rodritchison1995]

My Uncle Tom was one of the last fixed wing, enlisted pilots in the US Navy. He flew anti-submarine patrols off the Bennington in the early 1960s? One fine golfer, which figures. "Drive for show and putt for dough." Irritated the be jesus out of my dad, who could drive 270 yards into a stiff breeze.

[@williamkennedy3837]

My dad was on the water Dec 7 1941 in a 40 ft launch. We stand on the sholders of giants. I thank the heros.

[@Lookouts]

Possibly the greatest video on KZbin.

[@packback7045]

A generational talent with unmatched knowledge. Well done

[@differentperspective4124]

I learn so much from y’all! Thank you, I graduated college in 1971 and WWII was not really covered by our history professors and teachers although I’m sure most of them were vets. I always felt a deficiency in the events of the first 50 years of the 20th century

[@keithadams812]

I graduated in 1986 and ww2 and the civil war were the 2 main topics in my America history

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

Loved him and Christopher Hitchens talk on how moral and important WW2 was on the campus of Stanford about 15 years ago.

[@doctorcrafts]

Huh?

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

@@doctorcrafts basically had Victor and Christopher talk about Pat Buchanan’s book stating that we shouldn’t have dropped the atomic bomb. Imagine an atheist and Victor disagree on many things but we’re in agreement that doing so saved many more lives than took as the Japanese would have fought and possibly lost a million people while the US would have lost at least 500k if not more. It’s on KZbin

[@allenomalley4014]

He is a marvellous person really enjoy his lectures and discussions

[@Ringele5574]

This was an excellent lecture. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Is raises a question within me though. If there were a non-nuclear WWIII would be fighting our neighbors on the streets as well as our enemies abroad? We all see so divided in our current time, and it seems like some think national and cultural pride is something to be despised. God bless the Greatest Generation for keeping us free. Forgive us for giving it away.

[@cfneal1459]

We ain't "giving it away" NO MORE! #MAGA

[@CBMMmercinary]

Love these short overviews with VDH.

[@axelwittersheim7787]

Such a wonderful man to listen to. I would agree with many others that was a wonderful lecture. If we only had men like this as politicians.

[@rjalexander4765]

This man should be governor of California

[@johnburns4017]

Is there a war on there?

[@downeybill]

@@johnburns4017 yes, as a matter of a fact, there is!

[@johnburns4017]

@@downeybill I hope he loses that war.

[@joesragman8717]

He'd get my vote!

[@johnburns4017]

@@joesragman8717 You like wars?

[@MartyP-lr7vw]

Fascinating - I have watched & listened to so many versions of Midway but never really anything on the big picture planning strategy and outlook which is covered here so well by VDH.

[@SeattlePioneer]

What is described but not given enough credits was the ability of Roosevelt, the American economy and the American people to crank out a stupefying amount of food, munitions, ships, aircraft and fighting men to fight two major wars on opposite sides of the earth and win BOTH of them with our allies. Stalin FLOGGED a war winning effort out of his population, while Roosevelt bought it by paying time and a half and double time for the efforts of the American people and business.

[@Persian5life]

Thank you VDH. I had no idea how much indoctrination masked as education I received in school until i discovered this man.

[@ned900]

Where are you from? What country, wondering, that has such a bad history curriculum. Also, I guess, and this is more of an observation, there is a glut of historical material on the internet, for anyone to see and to study. Maybe kids are unaware of this... I don't think school curriculum's can compete with the net anymore.

[@howardcurtiss5048]

Persian5life, may I suggest you seek a refund of any tuition if you received an indoctrination rather than an education.

[@atlas42185]

This is moreso a problem at particular universities or particular departments/schools w/in universities. I'm currently taking a Transnational Mass Communication class (liberal arts elective) which covers surprisingly few practicals of communications and focuses largely on leftist philosophy works. To the credit of my professor he's relatively nuanced. When you get into the business school and engineering school everything is super practical. Everyone (professors and students) is a lot more reasonable than some of these political commentators would have you believe. College has been a great experience for me. I've made a lot of friendships w/ people who conservative anti-intellectuals write off. Being able to form friendships with such people is a strength not a weakness. Plus it really only relies on empathy, level headedness, and unconditional respect. Nothing defuses a tense situation faster than being a stoic in the face of hostility. You will get so much respect if you are willing to learn, back up your opinions with quantitative logic, and don't embarrass people when you "win" arguments. Smugness in politics is such a counter productive quality. At the end of the day academia is still very intellectually rigorous. Equating school with indoctrination is not only an overstatement of the dogmatism in some disciplines, but paints an incomplete picture. The biggest the holy land of indoctrination is the American household. Your professor is more likely to teach you to think critically than the average parent is.

[@normbabbitt4325]

This is such a fantastic series! I am learning so much!

[@Frip36]

you'll forget it all by morning with your drinking

[@tylerc5311]

I'm literally too poor to afford the full course so I greatly appreciate you for uploading these clips. Absolutely love VDH, we need more even tempered men like him in politics, me thinks.

[@XBadger1]

If you go to the hillsdale college website they are offering the entire series for free. Not sure if you get this message but if you do the rest are great too

[@trashpanda314]

I thought I had researched and learned virtually everything about WWII, but alas Mr. Hanson has enlightened me. What a clear and concise presentation.

[@asinner9096]

At 12.20 the US started the war with FOUR carriers in the Pacific. "Yorktown" is forgotten. And there was also "Langley" in the Filipine squadron.

[@nomdeguerre7265]

Most forget the Langley, and justifiably so. It wasn’t as capable as even the most modest Japanese light carrier or USN CVE.

[@TomFynn]

And Yorktown was in the Atlantic.

[@Patrick_Cooper]

I am watching the series in order. I have watched almost every other WW2 series on KZbin, and this one with David is looking to be very educational. Seen some stuff I haven't on other videos...

[@tylertoussaint2463]

Wonderful series. Please keep this up!

[@Viewer372]

VDH does it again with this video. Kudos Professore!

[@jasonmpd2946]

A clarification... the 16" Mark 7 gun fired shells ranging in weight from 2200-3000 pounds. They were 16" in diameter. Not the size of a VW Bug, but the weight of one. Great talk about the concepts and practice of naval supremacy.

[@bighands69]

The gun would be longer than a VW bug.

[@SeattlePioneer]

Accelerated faster, too!

[@mikebell6513]

VDH is a national treasure!

[@damien4401]

MORE VICTOR DAVIS HANSEN VIDEOS!!!!

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

Hanson !!!

[@jjforcebreaker]

Oh yes yes yes!!! I've been waiting for another episode. Awesome! Thanks HC and thanks Mr. Hanson!

[@fredfittin9434]

Professor Hansen is great!

[@terrysmith9362]

Its far too easy to forget the magnificent effort provided by the RCN who provided 45% of the convoy escorts with the RN the balance

[@unitedstatesdale]

Thanks Mr. Hanson

[@guttormurthorfinnsson8758]

i just love his stuff, give me more Swede. 4 x 105 =

[@hughejass9461]

Excellent video. looking forward to watching more of them. Subscribed and upvoted.

[@Chris-um3se]

Must watch again!!!

[@Aaronbinhadden]

Honestly, if you could make more victor hansons and dan carlins more people would appreciate history

[@paulbrimble8204]

Very informative and enjoyable. Thankyou!

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

The algorithms hit on something very worthwhile, a rarity for KZbin. Thank you. I am subscribing.

[@EllerinLaw]

These are awesome, thank you for posting

[@CZMaestro]

Really great to listen to. Having thoroughly learned quite a lot of a combination of the general history as well as the battle history of WW2 in the African, European, and Pacific theaters, it's really refreshing to listen to someone who has such a detailed perspective that he can combine them to make extremely refined conclusions to the why and how of it all. Hansen seems to be a sort of gateway into (for lack of a better term) a post-modern history of WW2. Delightful. Thanks, Professor!

[@themorningbump8546]

So well done Thank You

[@scienceisgod1]

I think VDH would make a GREATly needed smart and honest politician!

[@nomdeguerre7265]

None ever believe Cassandra until too late.

[@Crash103179]

From the Battle of Kula Gulf (3 July, '43) when the USS Helena (CL-50) was sunk until the Battle of Leyte Gulf (24 Oct., '44) when the USS Princeton (CVL-23) was lost, no American warship larger than a destroyer was sunk. The only other major US ship to be subsequently lost was the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) (30 July, '45). --This does not include escort carriers, which were built on merchant hulls (5 sunk). From the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (12-15 Nov., '42) in the Pacific and Germany's Black May (1943) in the Atlantic, the Axis had all but conceded the oceans to the Allies.

[@captainamericaxxx3874]

Good comment Cash. From mid 43 on the US had Naval superiority in the Pacific. Not to mention land based Air Power.

[@gozimusable1]

he spoke of the massive amount of Greek academia he mandatorily took for university in one of his lectures. I got dizzy just hearing how intensive the requirements were!

[@hyennussquatch4597]

Wow perfect lecture!

[@Usher111]

Thanks for sharing ♥️

[@trevorwinston5084]

Great companion resource to the book.

[@CAMARTISTICALLY]

Interesting and thank you.

[@cel1976ron]

a truly nice lecture!!!

[@rawiczrawa3561]

superb lectures - thank you

[@samueladams3746]

Grandad used to talk about the (un)happy time, sailing in the Esso fleet. Simply standing out from Bayonne was dangerous. Early on he used to say that making Halifax where the Canadians would take over convoy protection was the goal. But most don't realize what a shooting gallery our coastal waters were in 1942.

[@johnburns4017]

Blame that idiot Admiral King. The British insisted the US take 25 corvettes complete with crews.

[@samueladams3746]

@@johnburns4017 We had to learn the hard way. Cost a lot of merchant seamen their lives. When in London usually stay right across from the British Merchant Marine memorial. Stop after morning walk to straighten up the wreaths and crosses placed by descendants. At least they remember.

[@johnburns4017]

@@samueladams3746 The USA did learn the hard way, unnecessarily so when all they had to do was do what the British told them. US top brass was full of buffoonery. King despised the British over an incident in WW1 when he disobeyed orders. He was carpeted by the British commander of a group of which his ship was a part. Even then he never liked taking orders. King was a buffoon, who should have been removed in 1942. In the first six months of WW2 600 vessels were sunk off the US eastern seaboard. After U-Boat losses in 1941 had dropped to manageable levels, with the USA entry in to the war they were now catastrophic, to the point the US fighting Germany was in question. This was because King would not _lower_ US ships to escort civilian convoys, viewing they only fought military ships. The Americans would not even implement blackouts of coastal cities. The British were very concerned at the dramatic allied shipping losses. The British viewed the Americans as _our Italians._ The British insisted the Americans take 25 corvettes, with crews, the losses were so high. Eisenhower said the best way to win the war was to kill Admiral King. If such a British commander was so inept he would have been removed for ever. For some strange reason the US never removed their top men no matter how poor they were - Eisenhower should have been removed over the Bulge debacle. King and other Americans were of the view they would not support the British in WW2, if it liberated territory of the British Empire, putting the British back in charge. This was none of their concern as the focus was to defeat the Germans and Japanese. The British did not insist the USA return territory stolen from Native Americans and the Mexicans.

[@nomdeguerre7265]

@@johnburns4017 You’re far to harsh about King. But his anti-British prejudices did not well serve our interests in the early days of our involvement in the Atlantic. That’s absolutely true.

[@johnburns4017]

@@nomdeguerre7265 I pulled punches on King.

[@ITProjectManagerMan]

Just amazing analysis, I’ve never heard better.

[@michaelledford4751]

I am so proud to be the father of 3 sons who became leaders in their fields after attending Hillsdale,oddly enough our 4th son who chose to attend a union commercial & industrial construction trade school over college began earning $60k his 1st year in trade school and jumped to $150k a year after graduating as a Journeyman Architectural Tin Smith ,he has increased in earnings every year where in 2019 he nearly hit $250k for the year after saftey & production bonuses .

[@darbyohara]

Going into the trades today is more financially advantageous than college by far.

[@doctorcrafts]

False

[@donf3877]

@@darbyohara A friend here in Florida's central AC went out. The guy that the home insurance sent out was 28 years old. He owns his own business, and makes over $250,000 a year all by himself. He said he's love to have help, but young adults now days don't want to WORK for a living!!!

[@BecomeAWebDev]

Please publish the next in the series: the campaign on the ground, as Mr. Hanson spoke of.

[@andrewcollier3495]

Great speaker and keeps you on the egde of your seat.

[@achgreentree]

Correction: the 1942 Fletcher class DD has 5" I served on the last cruse of the Fletcher in the late 68/69 Vietnam era.

[@mr.feelings5890]

Great work dr.

[@cbskwkdnslwhanznamdm2849]

These are great!

[@lawrenceralph7481]

Thank you. You did a great job summarizing the content of Morrison's 18. Volumes "the history of naval operations in world war II" into 45 minutes. In doing so you clearly articulated both sides strategies and problems, which wasn't clouded by the enormous details. I don't think Harvard historian Admiral Morrison did this anywhere in his seminal work. Or in his one volume summary " the two ocean war." I don't think Churchill did it either. Well done. And thank you.

[@foxyone3]

VDH is a national treasure. I would like to ask him if D day was necessary since Germany was already defeated.

[@glenn1035]

Without D-day and the Allied advance into Europe the Soviet Union would have taken all of Germany and almost certainly every country Germany had occupied. D-day was about liberating Europe from Nazi Germany at that time and protecting it from the Soviet Union in the future.

[@glenn1035]

@Phil McCrevice "Fourth protocol period from July 1, 1944 formally ended May 12, 1945, but deliveries continued for the duration of the war with Japan (which the Soviet Union entered on August 8, 1945) under the "Milepost" agreement until September 2, 1945, when Japan capitulated. On September 20, 1945, all Lend-Lease to the Soviet Union was terminated." (Report). Bureau of the Budget. 1946

[@michaelwoodsmccausland5633]

Wonderful data! Fits well into the accuracy of our current state of affairs! Thy question is what role is /did “ Agricultural Instability?” Great Data! Thank you! It’s time to Collectively Re Capitalize the Agricultural Industry. Shine Bright! MWM

[@Alan_Edwards]

What a great story/fact teller. So enjoyed this lecture and the one on Air. Could not find the one about Land that he mentions at the end.Too bad. Might just pick up the book on Audible. Great stuff. Also like his videos on politics. Mainly those on Donald Trump.

[@johnburns4017]

In WW2 technology and methods advanced so quickly. Something could be introduced being very successful, being second tier six months later.

[@jeffreyboberg9487]

Just found very well done! Please explain superiority versus supremacy , thank you

[@ajalvarez3111]

He explains the difference very well in the “Air” episode.

[@Obscurealternatives999]

Calm Stoic thoughtful. Thank god

[@Santaanacanyon]

All correct. Much of this is taught in Herman Wouk's "War and Remembrance"

[@mikemc330]

Great lecture.

[@johnellington7057]

The imperial fleet didnt disappear from the Pacific it's still there but it disappeared from the surface of the Pacific!

[@catfishman1768]

:)

[@SJQuirke]

Thank you - I wonder how this wisdom is being applied today with aircraft carriers and even submarines being so popular and with data and drones and space tech being ascendant - I know - If I see this military strategists saw it ages ago - but I wonder what the new known unknowns could be

[@judd0112]

It’s the UAP’s that the fighter jets chased and got on video. Multiple times. And everyone says it’s gotta be ufos cause we don’t have technology or able to withstand the high G forces that they are exhibiting. And the military’s answer was that they didn’t know what they were. The exact answer I thought they would say. And all these people are believing the pentagon(military) so they are figuring it has to be aliens if the technology is something we don’t have “yet”. Supposedly And they are believing that. Oh the govt wouldn’t lie to us about stuff they say. Obviously they don’t know how too secret military programs work. Think of it this way. In the early 1960’s we had the SR-71 which was totally too secret and if someone got a photo of it or something u know the project blue book would come and “investigate” and confiscate pics if by chance they were of the blackbird or something. That’s what happens. So in the 1960’sbthe blackbird flew 2200 mph +/- that’s faster than a rifle bullet. And all the speed records for aircraft were established in secret during its flights. That was 60+ years ago. People can’t even imagine the technology that we have and are hopefully hiding like a ace in the hole incase we ever need it. If they don’t know about it then they can’t make a defense for it. The whole point of defense is keeping your best weapons secret. So there have been glimpses of anomalies on satellite pictures or just lucky photos that unintentionally cause something like the contrail that a jet would produce was caught on a weather satellite extending from (I’m estimating) southern Chile Patagonia area extending all the way to the US southern border. In one shot. So a con-trail typically would last before it dissipates (estimated) 10-15 min +/- and the trail extended that length, some math guy did the calculations and it came out to some incredible ludicrous speed to leave a trail that far and have still there Anyway sorry for a long comment nice to see someone interested in similar idea/theories.

[@lennietaclof4057]

Back in the 60s my grandfather took me over to Salem MA. to tour an old WW2 sub named the Sea Dog. It was quite a small area inside. Not good for the claustrophobic.

[@bettycurry6752]

Japanese Warlord….we have awakened a giant….attack on Pearl Harbour……many thanks to Victor Davis Hanson for these wonderful videos and his wisdom and points to ponder of WW 2..

[@christiancann2248]

Superb. Thank you.

[@johnburns4017]

Midway was the turning point for the Japanese, as after they were on the defensive, despite making some advances on land. The importance of Midway was not recognised at the time by the U.S., only in hindsight when assessing WW2. After Midway the U.S. only had one carrier in the Pacific. Roosevelt asked Churchill for as many British carriers as possible to aid the US fleet. The British sent HMS Victorious which was away with the US fleet for around a year. The British could have given a second carrier, however did not as they feared the German carrier Graf Zeppelin would be completed. Also the Italians were building a carrier. They Royal Navy had to be ready for them. The carriers were also needed as the war in Med/North Africa was hotting up. HMS Victorious (radio signature USS Robin) was painted US grey flying planes with US markings so as not to alert the Japanese. U.S. Navy personnel inspected Victorious, adopting many of its features for future carriers. The land & air aircraft control room, which attracted great attention, they adopted into all U.S. carriers immediately.

[@w.t.fpipedreamwithhopefull5538]

You mean pearl Harbour. No aircraft carriers being there was the beginning of the end. They needed oil so was a big risk that failed for the Japanese. I tend to think its on purpose the aircraft carriers not at Pearl Harbour but ?debatable? Brought the US into the war with Britain.

[@johnburns4017]

@@w.t.fpipedreamwithhopefull5538 No, I meant Midway. ;)

[@kftc1980]

Who the F thumbs down VDH? How did they even find this video?

[@barebp]

I don’t even listen to music these days. I just listen to VDH

[@richardcall7447]

32:20 to 32:40 American light cruisers were armed with 6 inch RAPID FIRE guns that could lay down an incredible weight of fire, and American destroyers were all armed with the best, (relatively), small naval gun of the war, the awesome 5 inch 38 caliber dual purpose gun that was effective against both air and surface targets. Not to mention that ALL American ships in the war were also heavily armed with the best anti aircraft guns of the war, the 20mm Olericon and the 40mm Bofors.

[@benquinney2]

Makes quarantines fun