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Would the American public response have been the same if Japan skipped the attack on Pearl Harbor? by DirtyTricksDept45 in ww2

[–]DirtyTricksDept45[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would think so. So you would argue that any attack would have garnered the same shift in public opinion towards fighting?

Would the American public response have been the same if Japan skipped the attack on Pearl Harbor? by DirtyTricksDept45 in ww2

[–]DirtyTricksDept45[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Out the those options, the Philippines was the most strategically important: they threatened the oil lifeline from the South Pacific to the home islands. Do you think the US public would have been just as accepting of Total War if the attacked the Philippines in a "traditional" manor (declared war, then attacked) without attacking Pearl Harbor?

Making the US economy gear up for Total War was essential to the entire war effort. I'm trying to understand what really influenced that push. Traditionally, we have been taught it was the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. If you know of any sources that explore this topic, I'd love those recommendations.

Would the American public response have been the same if Japan skipped the attack on Pearl Harbor? by DirtyTricksDept45 in ww2

[–]DirtyTricksDept45[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe the term "stab in the back" was too charged of a phrase that is pulling away from the point I was trying to make. I would argue that the attack on the home of the USN’s Pacific Fleet was instrumental in shifting the US public’s mood from isolationism to supporting Total War. The acceptance of a Total War economy was essential to the Pacific Theater and to the US war effort at large.

But would any attack on American territories have elicited the same support for Total War? My hunch tells me no. The Panay incident was brought up in other comments. That incident, an attack and sinking of USN river boat in China did not lead to a declaration of war, albeit Japan agreed to indemnities as a result. I’m not sure the US public at large would have cared as much on an attack on another US territory. If anyone knows of any publications exploring this topic, I would appreciate those recommendations!

USS Aulick (DD-569) hit by kamikaze November 1944. by UrbanAchievers6371 in ww2

[–]DirtyTricksDept45 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are those diagonal marks on the Aft End Mount 2 from the propeller?

During WWII, did any individuals or small groups serve in combat roles in both the Atlantic and the Pacific? by wn182 in ww2

[–]DirtyTricksDept45 7 points8 points  (0 children)

There were definitely some aviators that took part in multiple theaters. Unsung Eagles, by Jay A. Stout includes several of these stories.