From arbat:
Regarding Second World War
Two things that I repeat often, but would like to repeat again, due to the anniversary:
1. Second World War was started not by Hitler. But by Hitler and Stalin. They agreed to divide Poland and divided it. People who only subscribe the war to Hitler either don’t know the history well or do it due to ideological reasons.
2. This war could have been prevented. Hitler for sure could have been prevented. And this would probably cool off Stalin quite a bit.
Hitler started off from very little. In 1936, when he violated the agreement of Locarno and moved troops into Rhineland, his generals thought him mad. If the French looked at it as military action — as they should have — [and did an... attention, drumbeat... preventive strike] the war would have been quicker than the first Gulf War. Actually, it would not be difficult to stop him later in Czechoslovakia — Czech army had quite good abilities, and united with the British Army and the French — they would make sure Hitler had no chances.
What happened? Neville Chamberlain the British Prime Minister happened. The main liberal. “Peace in our times.” We will give Hitler Czechoslovakia — and that’s it. He can’t possibly want more. By giving in a little, by reaching a compromise, by not responding with aggression to aggression, we will have peace.
Results? 6 million Jews dead, r"l. 20 million dead in the Soviet Union. 16 million dead in Germany. Countless civilian deaths all over Europe (except France, which was taken over in 2 weeks). All of Europe destroyed. Vacuum of power in Africa (resulting in all modern wonderful events from child prostitution and slavery to AIDS epidemic to Darfur). Eastern Europe under Communism for 70 years. Western Europe under Socialism until now. Germans turning from warlike philosophers to gay leather lovers.
All a result of “Peace in our times” and “No aggression when faced with aggression” philosophies.
