In Reply to: That is a whole nother question posted by Dr.J on November 20, 2024 at 13:54:09
I might be wrong about shooting our missiles. Now, all of a sudden there are rumors Vlad wants to talk. Are you going to be yelling "Appeasement!" Or, do you want us to force Ukraine to continue fighting the war. What say ye?
Regarding Taiwan, you don't think China would have taken it back by now? Ya, it's "not exactly a clear line." Yet it has worked so far. Imo, a bright line would be more effective.
Also, I didn't "bring up" Hitler. I was responding to others that did. And, Taiwan is a much better reference point, as there is something we can do about it.
On that note, here is the ChatGpt summary of the state of England's army in 1938
"Army:
State of Readiness: The British Army was relatively small and underfunded compared to other European powers, focusing on colonial defense rather than large-scale European conflict.
Modernization: The army had begun modernizing, introducing mechanized units and improving its artillery and anti-tank capabilities. However, it was not yet prepared for a major continental war.
Expansion: In response to the growing threat from Germany, the Territorial Army (a part-time volunteer reserve) was doubled in size beginning in 1937.
Equipment: Much of the equipment, including tanks and small arms, was outdated, but new models such as the Matilda I infantry tank were being introduced.
Navy:
Royal Navy: Britain maintained a powerful navy, which was central to its defense strategy.
Fleet Size and Quality: The Royal Navy was still one of the largest and most advanced in the world, but it faced challenges from Germany's Kriegsmarine and Japan's Imperial Navy.
Shipbuilding: Major efforts were underway to build new battleships, aircraft carriers, and cruisers, including the King George V-class battleships.
Bases and Presence: The navy was stretched thin defending Britain's global empire, particularly in the face of the emerging Axis naval powers.
3. Royal Air Force (RAF)
Expansion: The RAF was rapidly expanding in response to the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany's Luftwaffe. The introduction of modern fighter aircraft like the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire marked significant progress.
Defensive Focus: The RAF prioritized the development of a home defense system, including radar technology, to counter potential air raids. The Chain Home radar system, completed in 1938, provided early warning capabilities.
Strategic Bomber Force: While the RAF had a strategic bomber force, it was not yet as advanced or numerous as it would become during the war.
Training: Efforts to train pilots and expand the force were underway but not yet sufficient to meet wartime demands.
Key Challenges:
Appeasement and Budget Constraints: The policy of appeasement limited how quickly the military could expand and modernize. Until the late 1930s, there was public and political resistance to large defense expenditures.
Global Commitments: Britain's global empire required the military to be spread across multiple theaters.
4. Overall Preparedness
Appeasement Policy: Britain's military planning in 1938 was influenced by the policy of appeasement, which aimed to avoid war through diplomatic concessions. This policy delayed full-scale rearmament.
Industrial Mobilization: Although steps were being taken to ramp up industrial production for military needs, the UK was not yet at full wartime production levels.
Collaboration with Allies: There was limited coordination with France and other potential allies, although discussions were underway.
Public Sentiment: War-weariness from World War I and economic concerns led to reluctance among the public and politicians to invest heavily in the military.
Assessment
By 1938, Britain's military was on the path to modernization but not fully prepared for a major war. The Munich Agreement in 1938, which aimed to prevent conflict through concessions to Hitler, bought the UK time to further rearm and reorganize its forces, which proved crucial in the early stages of World War II."
I don't think there was much they could do to Germany in 1938.