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.
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.
@@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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 . 🇺🇸
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...
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
My fellow Californian, a man who taught me the importance of military history, a fellow American of Swedish descent, as well as a fellow celebrant of the recent victory of common sense in the form of Donald Trump & JD Vance winning both the popular & electoral college vote- as well as the lower & upper houses of our congress. I’m producing this comment on a Saturday evening after our victory on Tuesday, and all I feel right now is gratitude. I’m grateful for men like Professor Hanson who’ve given me the information and resolve to fight for what is true and right. Whadda week 🦉🐘🦅🇺🇸
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.
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.
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.
@@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..
I CANNOT stop listening to his factual, sober and enlightening oratories. The content is fascinating. If he were narrating cookbooks I would be just as enthralled. A true treasure!
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.
Mr. Hanson-thank you for this excellent explainer video. Would you talk a bit about this: ▪︎ Approximately nine out of ten Allied soldiers killed in WWII were Russian. ▪︎ Approximately nine out of ten German soldiers killed in WWII were killed by Russians.
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!
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.
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.
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).
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
I discovered Victor Davis Hanson through an interview he did a few weeks back and was so impressed I purchased his book "The Case For Trump". Since then, I have become a devoted fan of Mr. Hanson and endeavor to read or watch each and all of his commentaries. He has a way of explaining events that are clear and concise and spot on. This man is truly a National Treasure.
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!
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.
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.
I never tire from listening to Dr Hanson's exquisite lessons, such a wealth of knowledge and insights with fabulous perspectives and highly respected opinions drawn from a trustworthy man of wisdom and integrity. Without a doubt Dr VDH isn't just a National treasure but a Global one who's sharing never fails to capture the imagination and enrich all those privileged to follow every detailed explanation of whatever subject matter he happens to be covering. Thank you sir ☺️ With infinite respect, I am Marc A Walker, 82nd Airborne Division Veteran and son of a WWII veteran father and mother who lived through the occupation in France. ✝️
Hanson's knowledge and grasp of military history and his ability to articulate it is phenomenal. You have to focus to keep up with this guy. He's amazing. Whether it's the Big Picture, world-wide, geopolitical scope or the details/specifics of bomber payloads, maximum speed of fighters, dates, schedules, terrain etc...he knows it ALL. Almost exhausting; have to take a break.
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.
I read the book. A masterpiece and should be required reading for any student of history. It is profound in its accounting for loss of human life as well as for the volume of armaments used. Dr. Hanson dispels common myths about the WW2. For me, the book was page-turner.
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.
+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.
This man is an amazing thinker and lecturer!! I would love to be a student listening to him in person present his plethora of knowledge. God bless him.
At 27 years old .. i feel like me and this man would get along just great ... We share love for history .... it amazes me how much i know ... Before he states certain things i am saying them before he says it .. World War 2 ... What a horrible time in history ... But what a gem to learn about
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.
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.
Canadian (and Australian) contribution to WW2, unfortunately is usually hidden, because Commonwealth contributions are all lumped together with the UK.
I've watched this three times now. So incredibly enlightening and informative. Dr. Hansen is an exceptional orator and presenter. No matter the subject, he shares with us his great insight as to the hows, where and who, and why. I truly enjoy hearing his wise perspective. It's so incredibly important to know, understand, and most importantly learn from history. Thank you Dr. Hansen
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!
I love VDH lectures. I learn so much from a lecture by him than any other ww2 documentary. Most of them use the same footage over and over but not Victor Hanson
A NOTE: When the war started, the Navy snatched up a few math teachers from high schools (my Papa was one--brand new teacher from UCLA/USC) to become teachers of navigation at Pensacola. The Navy put the group through Nav training, dressed them as officers, and gave them gold bars (No OCS). Papa was brilliant, so they were wise to select him. As with most, Papa wanted to get out there and fight; and he was, eventually, able to become a navigator in the Pacific Theater. (I am, obviously, so proud of him)
Well, he wasn't that bright to want go and kill people who had done nothing to him or the USA. Spare us the whining and moaning about the Japanese attack om Pearl Harbour.
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".
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.
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.
Amen.
2:45 we dont have wings
Completely agree
@@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?
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
One must "unlearn" propaganda thrust upon us throughout our lives.
Stephen Ristenpart “AT ANY AGE HE IS AMAZING “ WHAT A TEACHER”
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.
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.
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!
This man is a national treasure.
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.
@@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.
I have heard his pro-Trump stance.
But i do not think that any political mind has a monopoly on 'knowledge' :)
@@petejames4222
Sad isn't it.
Did not hear one 'um', 'ah' or 'er'. VDH is the exemplar of how an academic should be.
Absolutely agree
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.
10:18 short um it was short and barely noticeable but I happened to read this comment while hearing it ;)
Yeah he says a few "uh"s but your point remains
I didn't notice till your comment. This is what is missing in today's world.
Thank you Hillsdale for making Mr. Hanson's lectures available! One of the smartest men in the world.
He’s brilliant and a great teacher
Victor Davis Hanson never fails to impress and enlighten.
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.
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!
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.
I agree. I'm tired of the same old WWII documentaries. They are all the same; however this one has a fresh take.
History channel should give this man not just his own show but channel !
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.
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 . 🇺🇸
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...
I always learn something.
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.
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.
World class education from one of the most renowned scholars for free. Thanks VDH!
Excellent, Dr Hansen you’re the best narrator, writer and professor on history. Period.
As a retired USAF pilot, I found this lecture to be outstanding! Thank you Dr. Hanson
Now this is a highly intelligent and articulate military historian. His strategic insights are very acute and conclusive.
I’m always on the edge of my seat listening to VDH! You are a national treasure! Thank you so much.
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
Lol.
@@grantsmythe8625 Here it is 3 weeks later grant (with a "small" g) and we are still laughing at you. LOL
LOL.
Just checking in. It's been a year. Still laughin.
Laughin. 1 yr plus 3 weeks.
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.
Elon will.
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
I was present once when Prof. Hanson extemporized about the wars between Greece and Persia for 90 minutes. It was stunning.
my favorite ad on youtube, i always watch it in full when i see it
This is great. VDH is the man. Hopefully this turns into a very long series.
You can sign up for the full online course, 100% free of charge, at bit.ly/2zORuNf.
@@hillsdalecollege Thanks so much!
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.
VDH is the best
It’s really great that Hillsdale supports outstanding scholars like VDT and Jordan Peterson.
I've enjoyed his lectures since I first discovered him by accident via utube. My favorite.
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.
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.
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!
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.
My fellow Californian, a man who taught me the importance of military history, a fellow American of Swedish descent, as well as a fellow celebrant of the recent victory of common sense in the form of Donald Trump & JD Vance winning both the popular & electoral college vote- as well as the lower & upper houses of our congress. I’m producing this comment on a Saturday evening after our victory on Tuesday, and all I feel right now is gratitude. I’m grateful for men like Professor Hanson who’ve given me the information and resolve to fight for what is true and right. Whadda week 🦉🐘🦅🇺🇸
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Victor Hanson, thank you for graciously sharing your vast knowledge in your enjoyable, conversational style.
You are THE MAN, Victor!!!!!!
You are the most intelligent man on the internet.
Very comprehensive lecture from a well informed intellectual. Greetings from Germany btw
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.
Ah, I love me some Victor Davis. Thanks for sharing.
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.
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.
@@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..
I've seen war movies made for millions of dollars that were less entertaining than this one old man, in a chair.
I CANNOT stop listening to his factual, sober and enlightening oratories. The content is fascinating. If he were narrating cookbooks I would be just as enthralled. A true treasure!
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.
Mr. Hanson-thank you for this excellent explainer video. Would you talk a bit about this:
▪︎ Approximately nine out of ten Allied soldiers killed in WWII were Russian.
▪︎ Approximately nine out of ten German soldiers killed in WWII were killed by Russians.
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!
Same here.
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.
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.
I am 72 and would love to sit in his classroom..brilliant individual
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).
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
I discovered Victor Davis Hanson through an interview he did a few weeks back and was so impressed I purchased his book "The Case For Trump". Since then, I have become a devoted fan of Mr. Hanson and endeavor to read or watch each and all of his commentaries. He has a way of explaining events that are clear and concise and spot on. This man is truly a National Treasure.
This was an amazing lecture. Hillsdale is a beacon in the darkness.
Fascinating. Never understood WWII like this. Thanks Prof VDH, and God bless you!
I agree
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!
Used to work at Camp Hanson - the Marine Corps Base named after his uncle Victor Hanson.
Thank you Victor.
This is amazing. And so well done! Thank you Mr. Hanson and thanks Hillsdale. Looking forward to see more!
Thanks Kevin, for keeping it in front of the people in this country
I have read WW2 all my life. This guy is amazing!
Hansen is a national treasure. Gotta love Hillsdale College and those involved w the production of videos and the academics
This was a fantastic strategic summary of the air war in particular and the overall war in general. Well done!
As VDH said, about 150,00- Japanese were killed in the first firebombing raid. About 70,000 were killed by each atomic bomb.
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.
Best 1 hour summation of the air war.
Absolutely fantastic presentation! Victor Davis Hanson is always great and his books are a must read. Thank you
A great talk on the lessons of AirPower in WW2.
I love History and what better Instructor to listen to than Victor Davis Hanson.
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.
There's nothing brilliant about his analysis. It's the same analysis from every establishment sector. Nothing new here at all.
@@dirktyler3643 - it doesn’t have to be new to be good. Besides, the establishment view has derided the bombing campaign for decades now.
I never tire from listening to Dr Hanson's exquisite lessons, such a wealth of knowledge and insights with fabulous perspectives and highly respected opinions drawn from a trustworthy man of wisdom and integrity.
Without a doubt Dr VDH isn't just a National treasure but a Global one who's sharing never fails to capture the imagination and enrich all those privileged to follow every detailed explanation of whatever subject matter he happens to be covering.
Thank you sir ☺️
With infinite respect, I am Marc A Walker, 82nd Airborne Division Veteran and son of a WWII veteran father and mother who lived through the occupation in France. ✝️
These lectures should be required viewing @ every high school and immigration office with a pass/fail exam !
Definitely.
Hanson's knowledge and grasp of military history and his ability to articulate it is phenomenal. You have to focus to keep up with this guy. He's amazing. Whether it's the Big Picture, world-wide, geopolitical scope or the details/specifics of bomber payloads, maximum speed of fighters, dates, schedules, terrain etc...he knows it ALL. Almost exhausting; have to take a break.
Amazing lecture, thank you.
Victor Davis Hanson, giving me the education i was denied in school for free. Thank you for this.
This man is a national treasure!
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.
VDH may your life be long, the world needs as many credible, rational minds as it can get.
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.
Outstanding mate, absolutely love the way you delivered that. Thanks
This guy is such a gem. He is very knowledgeable and he can deliver a powerful and logical message clearly, simply, and effectively.
Fantastic!! Absolutely enjoyed this discussion from start to finish. Thank you for making great content like this.
I read the book. A masterpiece and should be required reading for any student of history. It is profound in its accounting for loss of human life as well as for the volume of armaments used. Dr. Hanson dispels common myths about the WW2. For me, the book was page-turner.
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.
+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.
What a magnificent speaker and teacher. I only wish I would have had teachers of his magnitude
VDH is an amazing American military historian.
Absolute definition of a teacher. Every lecture he does I listen to and ponder every word he uses. He's so prepared you know it's all relevant.
VDH is one of my go-to heroes. Just awesome.
He is truly one of the most brilliant men alive. VDH should be President!
ive always learned about land and sea power but never air. Really great to listen to
I agree
Watching again and liking
This made my morning. Love VDH!
Amen
This man is an amazing thinker and lecturer!! I would love to be a student listening to him in person present his plethora of knowledge. God bless him.
Fantastic stuff. Great to see more VDH
At 27 years old .. i feel like me and this man would get along just great ... We share love for history .... it amazes me how much i know ... Before he states certain things i am saying them before he says it .. World War 2 ... What a horrible time in history ... But what a gem to learn about
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.
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.
Canadian (and Australian) contribution to WW2, unfortunately is usually hidden, because Commonwealth contributions are all lumped together with the UK.
Emiliano Conde He generally concentrates on the USA need I say more!
This VDH is a national treasure. We need a lot more like him in our colleges and universities!
I am not a war buff, but VDH is like ASMR to me.
I've watched this three times now. So incredibly enlightening and informative. Dr. Hansen is an exceptional orator and presenter. No matter the subject, he shares with us his great insight as to the hows, where and who, and why. I truly enjoy hearing his wise perspective. It's so incredibly important to know, understand, and most importantly learn from history. Thank you Dr. Hansen
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!
Anything from Victor Davis Hanson is going to be tremendously insightful, that much is for sure.
Thank you Hilsdale!
I love VDH lectures. I learn so much from a lecture by him than any other ww2 documentary. Most of them use the same footage over and over but not Victor Hanson
God bless those who know and speak truth. Thank you VDH for your brilliant truth.
this information should be taught to all of our high school students...so that they may understand the why of things today.
Is it my impression or was that a well timed one take recording?
Hard to tell with the camera changes.
Hi Mustavo! This actually was done in one take! Victor Davis Hanson is an amazing lecturer.
@@hillsdalecollege I've seen a similar lecture from VDH given in a single breath. Amazing.
DR. Hanson adds essential details to the conduct of the air war in World War 2.
Different discipline but his well thought out, articulate talks rival Jordan Peterson
I wish I had one tenth of the memory and his ability to articulate ideas as mister victor hanson has.
A NOTE: When the war started, the Navy snatched up a few math teachers from high schools (my Papa was one--brand new teacher from UCLA/USC) to become teachers of navigation at Pensacola. The Navy put the group through Nav training, dressed them as officers, and gave them gold bars (No OCS). Papa was brilliant, so they were wise to select him. As with most, Papa wanted to get out there and fight; and he was, eventually, able to become a navigator in the Pacific Theater. (I am, obviously, so proud of him)
Well, he wasn't that bright to want go and kill people who had done nothing to him or the USA.
Spare us the whining and moaning about the Japanese attack om Pearl Harbour.
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".
It is a way of describing those that were in the US and not in the theater of war.
One of the finest dissertations I've listed to in a long while. 👏👏
*Rabbit li **-o-** ves learning*
What an American legend Victor Davis Hanson is.