Perceptions of War

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Perceptions of War

One of the most interesting conflicts of perception, in my mind, is that of opposing soldiers in war. The outlook on World War II, from an American soldiers point of view, was vastly different than that of a German soldier. Both felt very strongly, that they were the righteous.

This is hard for me to compare, seeing as I did not experience the events, but I will compare both points of view as accurately as I can.

First of all, there is, and always has been a certain subliminal motivation, for American men to join the military. We are raised on stories of our fathers heroics in battle. The need to prove ourselves in combat is ingrained in our minds, since the first time we played war with our friends, as children. Almost every generation in history has their war after all.

I believe many American men felt this need during World War II, stronger than any other period in American history. The country had just begun to recover from the depression, and Americans wanted to reestablish a sense of National pride.

Once Germany and Japan declared war on the U.S., men were flocking to recruitment offices. The new recruits saw Nazi Germany as the tyrant of the world. They felt it was their duty to protect the interests of the globe from the German invaders. The Nazi Regime was like the dragon that must be slain, and we were the enlightened knight, who’s sword would crash down upon the beast like the hammer of justice.

After rumors of the ill treatment of Jews, reached the U.S., thousands of Jewish American men joined the military. They were motivated by the age old dispute of religion. They wanted to help their fellow Jews, and wreak revenge upon the evil Nazis.

Once in the field the soldiers point of view was only solidified, by the cruel horrors of war. Politics faded away, and hatred for the enemy is spawned by the death of your comrades. This hatred is taken out, not on a single man, but on every German encountered. Stories from the front, of capture, torture and brutal fighting, scared and angered American troops. Germany’s highly advanced weaponry, and relentless defense of every town, bridge, and hill, did not help the psychological effects on the G.I.’s mind.

Regardless of all the violence, chaos and hardship suffered by the American soldier, he still knew he was fighting against tyranny.

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