The Second World Wars with Victor Davis Hanson | Air

Begin the full course now at bit.ly/2HUwedg to watch the other free lectures, including an introduction from Larry P. Arnn.
This is the second 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.

[@PewPr0]

This man is a national treasure.

[@petejames4222]

I am from the United Kingdom, and I'd like to expand on what you say - Victor D Hanson is an international treasure. If he does have a political bias, he certainly never lets it cloud his work.

[@johnburns4017]

@@petejames4222 He does have biases for sure - politically is to the right. He is also US centric, as if WW2 would not have been won without US involvement - even the US government never thought that. But overall he is good. He is good at the _Big Picture_ of WW2.

[@petejames4222]

I have heard his pro-Trump stance.

[@petejames4222]

But i do not think that any political mind has a monopoly on 'knowledge' :)

[@johnburns4017]

@@petejames4222 Sad isn't it.

[@jeffdkillman]

Victor Davis Hanson is possibly the most underrated American intellectual. If a generation would grow up on Hanson & Thomas Sowell the country would be reborn again.

[@bnkosu]

Śūnyatā Advaita I’d throw Walter Williams in there to, but man are you correct. How much better a place would the world be if professors like VDH and Williams had the same coverage as racist demagogues like Miles Eric Dyson and his ilk.

[@edwardelliott5756]

Amen.

[@arthurkorff]

2:45 we dont have wings

[@willosee]

Completely agree

[@lanceschaina3084]

@@phildouglas9086 I'm reading the data on the website of the NALS, and it contradicts what you wrote. 1) The survey asks for education level, but it doesn't ask which college was attended, or whether the adult was "ivy league." 2) The survey lists adults as either Below Basic, Basic, Intermediate or Proficient. The only "pass" is to be Basic and above. Proficient is defined as being able to analyze and understand complex and challenging concepts and tasks. 3) Among all college grads, only 0.5% didn't pass, not the 43% that you mentioned. In fact, 53% were Intermediate and 31% were Proficient. This is compared to a 13% fail rate among high school grads and a 4% Proficient rate.The NALS data is here: nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d10/tables/dt10_393.asp. Where are you getting your data?

[@MrSristenpart]

At 60 I'm still learning. History is my favorite subject.. Mr. Hanson I have learned plenty listening to your lectures. Thank you very much

[@navigator1383]

One must "unlearn" propaganda thrust upon us throughout our lives.

[@ralphnieves7690]

Stephen Ristenpart “AT ANY AGE HE IS AMAZING “ WHAT A TEACHER”

[@mrswinkyuk]

Check his "facts" though. Unless you're a paranoid nut-job like Navi Gator. Too much supposition and his conclusions are very questionable. Do your own research and you'll see what I mean.

[@philipgates988]

Stan Whattmore I would say his method of teaching does instill new areas of thought. We should always question all information. But I find his ideas stimulating.

[@roberthurleyjr4762]

d Ditto, Shephen and Sunyata! V.D.H. is no longer just a Hoover Institute Secret! He has been remarkably prescient about Current Political debacle and political Military Historian really shines and stands above his Contemporaries and younger college-age people involved in a calm look at Real American History and not some Leftist Revision of the actual History of many issues. Good work. BTW, he is a reminder and a breath of Fresh-Air after years of Leftists Lies about easily verifiable FACTS!

[@TheKingb1943]

He’s brilliant and a great teacher

[@Bitterrootbackroads]

Being that most of the available programming thrust upon us is mindless garbage I lean towards history & documentaries. Most of the WWII stuff just plays the same old footage, facts, & commentary, overlaid with some dramatic music, and I most often fall asleep. This guy has me hanging on EVERY word, and sometimes backing up a bit, to replay & make sure I understood exactly. Not a word wasted, and the focus on how all the small parts tie into the big picture is what I've been missing in my studies!

[@hillsdalecollege]

We're so glad that you are finding his lectures so enriching! You can sign up for the full online course at bit.ly/2zORuNf, 100% free of charge.

[@treffensaintjohnllc2913]

I agree. I'm tired of the same old WWII documentaries. They are all the same; however this one has a fresh take.

[@michaelharris6441]

History channel should give this man not just his own show but channel !

[@nathantaylor3576]

I obtained the book THE SECOND WORLD WARS and it is great. I have always had an interest in World War II, and it had got to the point where I rarely learn anything new. No so with this book. I find it somewhat dense reading, but it is packed with insights I have never encountered before. Get the book and read it.

[@michaelharris6441]

Gatorman9000 @ Are you kidding me ??? I know for a fact you didn’t look into VDH background or you would of seen his list of scholar achievements. One being he is a military historian which is why he is a professor with a PHD. Taught military history at Stanford U. Calling him out as a right winger on Fox News is a bit rich coming from an obvious Lib in terms of somehow discrediting him. Every major University is infested with liberal socialist & even communist professors teaching everything except military history. And his book The Case for Trump is an objective analysis on why he was elected and Trump’s accomplishments yes I realize that’s has you all butt hurt . 🇺🇸

[@johnvannewhouse]

I've only watched this 30 times...every effin time it just stuns me how KNOWLEDGEABLE this man is about something MILLIONS OF PEOPLE have studied for decades by now...just amazing...

[@jameseast7966]

I always learn something.

[@kenth151]

Mr. Hanson, I heard you speak around 15 years ago at the University of North Texas. The room was packed and you were a great speaker. I also own many of your books. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@jtking76]

Victor Davis Hanson never fails to impress and enlighten.

[@dmutant2635]

Thank you Hillsdale for making Mr. Hanson's lectures available! One of the smartest men in the world.

[@ewenchalmers1312]

Did not hear one 'um', 'ah' or 'er'. VDH is the exemplar of how an academic should be.

[@OldItalianYankee]

Absolutely agree

[@juanmonge8]

A few years ago, I was listening to the radio. A couple of disc jockeys were talking about how going to broadcasting school had cured them of those problems. Most people don’t know how they sound to others.

[@steadyjumper3547]

10:18 short um it was short and barely noticeable but I happened to read this comment while hearing it ;)

[@zackgebhart927]

Yeah he says a few "uh"s but your point remains

[@williamkennedy3837]

I didn't notice till your comment. This is what is missing in today's world.

[@baroqueguitarist5673]

When the world went crazy and threatened those who would not drink the cool aid this man stood firm to his beliefs and the pursuit of truth. Many great minds were either too scared or too ignorant to take that brave stand. He’s one of the few who risked serious real life consequences in order to stay true to himself and those he educates. The few brilliant and brave people like him who stood up even though it was dangerous should always be recognized and treasured by the public. This man was put to the test and proved his character and seriousness in what he is saying/doing/teaching and deserves an extra amount of trust and respect. I will never forget that and enjoy his work as much as possible. He proved in the modern age he truely would have been one of the few if born in WW2 Germany to not stay silent and work against the government not just go along out of fear like everybody else. Respect

[@grantsmythe8625]

Lol.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

@@grantsmythe8625 Here it is 3 weeks later grant (with a "small" g) and we are still laughing at you. LOL

[@grantsmythe8625]

LOL.

[@hopdevil007]

This is great. VDH is the man. Hopefully this turns into a very long series.

[@hillsdalecollege]

You can sign up for the full online course, 100% free of charge, at bit.ly/2zORuNf.

[@carolinegaibel5039]

@@hillsdalecollege Thanks so much!

[@rodwoods2108]

I have developed a huge respect for Hillsdale College. I believe Education actually happens there. It is among the few colleges worth going too. I went to one most never heard of and I now have my Grandson in another one. An actual real educational facility.

[@dannaylor9211]

VDH is the best

[@thetedmang]

World class education from one of the most renowned scholars for free. Thanks VDH!

[@robbie_]

Ah, I love me some Victor Davis. Thanks for sharing.

[@stevenvassalli2408]

I've enjoyed his lectures since I first discovered him by accident via utube. My favorite.

[@edmundcharles5278]

Now this is a highly intelligent and articulate military historian. His strategic insights are very acute and conclusive.

[@peternorth8730]

Very comprehensive lecture from a well informed intellectual. Greetings from Germany btw

[@Marine_Ret]

Used to work at Camp Hanson - the Marine Corps Base named after his uncle Victor Hanson.

[@hud86]

I grew up around WWII veteran, Mr. Hanson reminds me of many of them. Calm, collected, well-spoken and informed. I miss them, that generation was the last decent thing to happen to America. I'm disappointed in what we have become now as a country and I pray for a peaceful revolution which gets us back on track with improving the lives of the common person.

[@MrKnoxguy101]

I love listening to Mr. Hanson talk about the subject of WWII. I wish he could have made several more of these. You enjoy listening so much that before you know it, an hour has flown by and they’re over.

[@mikethatcher4205]

Mr. Hanson is one of the most important Americans that the current generation will ever know. His knowledge of history, and so important, the ability to relate this information to his students is what makes him such a national treasure. Parents, please, expose your children to his knowledge. And a farmer to boot! Feeding the nation. Thank you VDH for your service to America.

[@dixierebel8422]

Yet another excellent presentation! I greatly enjoy listening to and learning from Dr. Hanson. Not the least of reasons is that he enjoys sharing his vast knowledge and insight and doesn't, like so many others, enjoys hearing himself talk. Do keep-up the great work!

[@keithranker3908]

The Japanese has a 4 engine flying boat, but I don’t think thet made a lot of them. Anyway, they probably weren’t really built to do what American bombers were desined to do. As for Germany, they had a 6 engine cargo plane, but they were not bombers.

[@gregchury2091]

A great talk on the lessons of AirPower in WW2.

[@ronaldfinkelstein6335]

Napalm is jellied gasoline. We also used thermite based incendiaries (thermite is a mixture of magnesium, aluminum, and iron powders. It burns hot enough to melt mild steel).

[@edwardelliott5756]

Excellent, Dr Hansen you’re the best narrator, writer and professor on history. Period.

[@lonniekennedy6130]

I’m always on the edge of my seat listening to VDH! You are a national treasure! Thank you so much.

[@viexplayz6505]

my favorite ad on youtube, i always watch it in full when i see it

[@joanofarc1338]

As a retired USAF pilot, I found this lecture to be outstanding! Thank you Dr. Hanson

[@KenArkane]

Fascinating. Never understood WWII like this. Thanks Prof VDH, and God bless you!

[@christopherthrawn7541]

I agree

[@johnhall8364]

This was a fantastic strategic summary of the air war in particular and the overall war in general. Well done!

[@keithranker3908]

As VDH said, about 150,00- Japanese were killed in the first firebombing raid. About 70,000 were killed by each atomic bomb.

[@keithranker3908]

VDH makes a great point. About 140,000 dies in the two A bombings. The alternative, fire bombing twice each day as General LeMay proposed would have killed far more Japanese.

[@keithranker3908]

Best 1 hour summation of the air war.

[@magellan500]

It’s really great that Hillsdale supports outstanding scholars like VDT and Jordan Peterson.

[@ydelysuarez2548]

Amazing lecture, thank you.

[@gilbertogonzalezr9353]

I have seen many of his lectures and interviews and one thing that amazes me is that he does not have a single note in front of him, what a brilliant mind!! Presidents and government officials should be taking notes from his lectures, they might learn something!! Thanks professor Hanson for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with the rest of us

[@davidsigalow7349]

I was present once when Prof. Hanson extemporized about the wars between Greece and Persia for 90 minutes. It was stunning.

[@hugo_kruger]

As a South African, I have to say that the lessons that Victor Davis Hanson points out from wars are as applicable to my country as to the USA. War is certainly the father of us all.

[@HobbitHomes263]

WHen I was stationed in Germany in 1974 I had to take a course to be certified to drive on German roads. Our instructor was a POW in WWII. He was sent to a POW camp Arizona where POWs provided labor moving material from various war production facilities. It was his opinion that America won because we had forklifts and Germany did not. He was astounded by how fast we could make things and then move them to ports ond onto ships

[@robertkelly3186]

This made my morning. Love VDH!

[@christopherthrawn7541]

Amen

[@michaelharris6441]

These lectures should be required viewing @ every high school and immigration office with a pass/fail exam !

[@christopherthrawn7541]

Definitely.

[@bobbyb.6644]

I thought that I knew a lot about this subject but feel like a newbie to this scholar! He teaches me on every video without the psychobabble of many “academics “. Thank you Victor!

[@christopherthrawn7541]

Same here.

[@bighands69]

The US school system and media has lied to people post WW2. One of the biggest lies was that Hitler was right wing. Kids today do not realize that Nazi means National Socialist. Or that Fascism came from the ideology of Fasci which was also socialist. That is the reason why you do not know or understand any of this at all.

[@user-kj8lq7mo2s]

Would it surprise you to know that the second OLDEST air force in the world after the OLDEST being the British RAF was an African airforce being the SOUTH AFRICAN AIRFORCE. And it was a south African who has a great part in establishing the RAF the oldest airforce in the world this being field marshall JAN CHRISTAIN SMUTS.

[@etaoinbshrdlu]

Simply outstanding. My father served in World War Two and spoke of things which must have been utterly shocking to a West Virginia boy who grew up in the '30s. He had pictures of Corregidor, blasted by fighting, and of the cliffs on Okinawa where Okinawan noncombatants had not long before thrown their babies and children off cliffs onto the rocks and sea below, and then had jumped to their deaths, rather than endure the shame of defeat. I've seen videos of Japanese women training in groups to fight to the death with sharpened sticks rather than be shamed by defeat. The decision to use the nuclear weapons in the hope of perhaps shocking the Japanese out of their cultural deathtrap, and thus save uncountable human lives by avoiding the far, far bloodier alternatives takes on a degree of clarity. And this in the context of Dr. Hanson's discussion of the Allied horror of the experience of the loss of a young generation in WWI.

[@magisterdamask9015]

Fantastic stuff. Great to see more VDH

[@tedbaxter5234]

Thank you Hilsdale!

[@jjforcebreaker]

This is amazing. And so well done! Thank you Mr. Hanson and thanks Hillsdale. Looking forward to see more!

[@williamkennedy3837]

You are THE MAN, Victor!!!!!! You are the most intelligent man on the internet.

[@richardwalters1803]

What a magnificent speaker and teacher. I only wish I would have had teachers of his magnitude

[@JohnSmith-if5ns]

This was an amazing lecture. Hillsdale is a beacon in the darkness.

[@65gtotrips]

This is what I adore about VDH, as he really gets into the nitty gritty, even talking about the Germans with their over-engineered machines, when he spoke of them stressing over the cylinder head calibrations.

[@godswatching2863]

I wish I had one tenth of the memory and his ability to articulate ideas as mister victor hanson has.

[@walterdebnam8021]

Thanks Kevin, for keeping it in front of the people in this country

[@antonioperez2623]

VDH is an amazing American military historian.

[@mathewforsyth2481]

Outstanding mate, absolutely love the way you delivered that. Thanks

[@fredmilow]

DR. Hanson adds essential details to the conduct of the air war in World War 2.

[@nickwoolmer5037]

A masterclass lecture in logic and facts. Note not done with notes . Awsesome

[@OdysseusIthaca]

I've seen war movies made for millions of dollars that were less entertaining than this one old man, in a chair.

[@sunbro6998]

Thank you Sir.

[@fromthewrath2come]

In a day when heroes are in short supply, VDH is encouraging. I love history and try to listen to one of his podcasts every day.

[@BecomeAWebDev]

Anything from Victor Davis Hanson is going to be tremendously insightful, that much is for sure.

[@michaelrivera2212]

ive always learned about land and sea power but never air. Really great to listen to

[@christopherthrawn7541]

I agree

[@nitasheehan2704]

Victor Hanson, thank you for graciously sharing your vast knowledge in your enjoyable, conversational style.

[@Cowboy28074]

I have read WW2 all my life. This guy is amazing!

[@kevinburk1670]

and all of it just rolls of the top of his head ...brilliant man

[@jt66radioguy4]

Fantastic!! Absolutely enjoyed this discussion from start to finish. Thank you for making great content like this.

[@hey_joe7069]

This man is a national treasure!

[@thejackrabbithole-5311]

VDH, you are one of the wisest people in history. I enjoy you speaking on any subject, however, WWII and the Greatest Generation leaves anyone who grasps what was accomplished in awe.

[@ralphnieves7690]

Victor David Hanson is with out QUESTION the MOST ACCURATE HISTORIAN TODAY. As they say “ THOSE THAT DO NOT PAY ATTENTION WILL AGAIN PAY THE PRICE “ I am summarizing. PERIOD

[@TheCooperjesse]

Very excited to see this!!

[@samuelchurch9892]

It is often understated the losses of allied air forces during world war two. The Eight Air Force alone lost 26,000 dead and 47,000 wounded. The entire US Marine Corps during all of WWII had lost 24,511 killed and 68,207 wounded. RAF bomber command lost 55,573 kill in action out of a force of about 125,000 airmen.

[@63DW89A]

+Samuel Church However, if you were a new recruit into the U.S. services, your chances of being killed or wounded were about 1-in-35 for U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army Air Force, about 1-in-15 for U.S Army ground forces, and about 1-in-7 for U.S Marine Corps. USMC much smaller than USAAF, USA and USN, so the actual number of casualties is lower, but the percentage of casualties per unit engaged is actually higher for USMC.

[@Stew357]

Outstanding program, ty Dr. Hanson!

[@brotherP2020]

Thank You Sir for your invaluable teaching skill & in-depth knowledge

[@28pbtkh23]

This is a brilliant analysis. I lived through the revisionist 1970s where many of my history teachers at school where it was frequently taught that the bombing campaign was a waste of men and resources. It was very negative in concept, and ignored the wider picture. So it is heartening to hear a different view.

[@dirktyler3643]

There's nothing brilliant about his analysis. It's the same analysis from every establishment sector. Nothing new here at all.

[@28pbtkh23]

@@dirktyler3643 - it doesn’t have to be new to be good. Besides, the establishment view has derided the bombing campaign for decades now.

[@yourrealdad88]

VDH may your life be long, the world needs as many credible, rational minds as it can get.

[@fkerpants]

I could listen to this guy all day.

[@215510634]

Great video, thanks to HIllsdale and VHD

[@spazz99ful]

I am not a war buff, but VDH is like ASMR to me.

[@rascallyrabbit717]

One of the finest dissertations I've listed to in a long while. 👏👏 *Rabbit li **-o-** ves learning*

[@ramoncroes6763]

Sublime Explanation...Thank You!

[@MrRexdale71]

Mr Hansen is among the great Historians of the Second World War. He explains things in simple layman's terms. And has a talent in presenting it like a good story. I could listen to him endlessly.

[@voraciousreader3341]

Why don’t you read a book or two? You’d learn a lot more and build up your brain at the same time….passive learning does nothing for really understanding anything. It requires no effort whatsoever except for what’s necessary for paying attention. And, these lectures really only make sense if the listener already has a fund of information, because whatever is said is automatically applied to prior learning, which the starts a very different thought process from that which happens where very little prior knowledge exists.

[@MrRexdale71]

@@voraciousreader3341 I have read many books over the years on the subject of World War II.Always found them interesting. Why don't you get out of the house more often? Find a girlfriend. Go to a movie..

[@davidveenbaas4144]

Excellent.

[@markturner6240]

This was great! Thank you for sharing this history lesson! WOW! I love the study if history,especially WAR history,and this puts a totally new spin on this study! Again! Thank you Hillsdale,and Professor Hanson for allowing me to watch,listen,and learn!

[@thefredkalis]

thank you very much Hillsdale college. Greetings from France

[@dianebaldwin3921]

These are wonderful descriptions of military action - my dad was a tool room gage guy at Lockheed, in Burbank California. Uncle Donald was a spot-welder and had his home in Burbank. So many civilians have never heard of the "home war".

[@bighands69]

It is a way of describing those that were in the US and not in the theater of war.

[@mustavogaia2655]

Is it my impression or was that a well timed one take recording?

[@digitalnomad9985]

Hard to tell with the camera changes.

[@hillsdalecollege]

Hi Mustavo! This actually was done in one take! Victor Davis Hanson is an amazing lecturer.

[@mustavogaia2655]

@@hillsdalecollege I've seen a similar lecture from VDH given in a single breath. Amazing.

[@MrSebastiananthony]

Such a brilliant lecture. Thank you

[@paul-akers]

VDH absolutely fantastic thank you!

[@paulrugg3371]

So glad the tube allowed me to become familiar with this concise, well spoken man.

[@RScott413]

VDH is one of my go-to heroes. Just awesome.

[@ChristianReinholdt]

More of this!

[@hillsdalecollege]

Hi Christian! You can sign up for the 100% free full course here: bit.ly/2zORuNf

[@madscientist2509]

Amazing talk VDH! Thank you sir!

[@Ftc.6]

Good communicator ...love his stuff

[@ureboyjack6997]

I’ve always enjoyed studying history and thes videos really do help

[@brokenbiker220]

Different discipline but his well thought out, articulate talks rival Jordan Peterson

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Thank you for this.. Thank you for sharing.. This is really good and he's an excellent teacher.. Thanks for enriching my life! God speed. Tim South Central Indiana. USA

[@Persian5life]

Victor Davis Hanson, giving me the education i was denied in school for free. Thank you for this.

[@FiddelCastro]

incredibly insightful. thanks for the video!

[@aydens3]

Absolutely love your videos. Thank you!!!

[@wrobinson1702]

Great lecture. I mostly agree. An exception is Dr Hanson's comment that the reason for using nuclear weapons was only to preclude the need for an American land invasion of Japan. I truly believe that President Truman wanted to send the Soviets the message that we not only HAD these weapons (which Stalin already knew) but were not afraid to USE them for strategic reasons.

[@joshiasbaja3934]

Thank you!

[@bobdimarcantonio4226]

God bless those who know and speak truth. Thank you VDH for your brilliant truth.

[@emilianoconde9647]

I watched every WWII documentary, yet this simple talk is so interesting, well explained and concise. Thank you! The one thing I would point out is that Canada is not mentioned once, when in fact it did an important contribution to the war effort.

[@M0rmagil]

Emiliano Conde you are correct. VDH knows that too, so it’s unfortunate that their contributions aren’t covered here, but at this level of analysis it’s what happens.

[@63DW89A]

Canadian (and Australian) contribution to WW2, unfortunately is usually hidden, because Commonwealth contributions are all lumped together with the UK.

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

Emiliano Conde He generally concentrates on the USA need I say more!

[@cfrasier1419]

Thank you, a fantastic video

[@steveblevins8793]

I'm watching this after finishing Churchill's MEMOIRS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR. Hanson's marvelous lecture is helping me tie some loose ends together. Because Churchill was writing from a British perspective, his account is naturally Eurocentric, with relatively little space devoted to the war in the Pacific. Hanson's emphasis on the Pacific theater helps to fill some gaps. Thank you, Professor Hanson and Hillsdale. On to the next episode!