Why WW2 SHOULD have Started in 1937 - The Forgotten Bloody Prelude of WW2

Summary

The video explores the complex origins of World War II, highlighting the early conflict in Asia, which began in 1937, well before the European war escalated. It emphasizes the brutal battles between Japan and China, particularly the Marco-Polo Bridge Incident, the Battle of Shanghai, and the pivotal role of China in tying down Japanese forces. The video contrasts various perspectives on when the war truly began, from Pearl Harbor to the German invasion of the Soviet Union, challenging common narratives and underscoring the significance of the Chinese resistance in shaping the broader Pacific theatre.

Takeaways

• 😀 The start of World War II is debated, with different countries citing different events (Pearl Harbor, Germany's invasion of the USSR, or Germany's invasion of Poland).
• 😀 The war in Asia had already been raging for two years before the Germans invaded Poland in 1939, with millions of lives lost.
• 😀 The Marco-Polo Bridge Incident, in 1937, marked the beginning of open hostilities between Japan and China, which became the Second Sino-Japanese War.
• 😀 Between 1937 and 1939, China suffered over 1 million military casualties and 6.25 million civilian deaths due to the Japanese invasion.
• 😀 The Battle of Shanghai, fought from August to November 1937, was a brutal urban conflict that lasted for over three months, showing China’s resilience.
• 😀 Despite the Japanese army’s superiority, Chinese defenders made significant stands, such as the 'Last Stand of the 800 Heroes' at the Sihang Warehouse.
• 😀 The Chinese resistance in Shanghai inflicted devastating losses on the Japanese, killing over 200 soldiers and forcing them to retreat despite overwhelming odds.
• 😀 International support for China came from the Soviet Union, the United States, and Germany, who provided equipment and military aid during the early stages of the war.
• 😀 China’s defense of Shanghai was a significant symbolic victory, demonstrating that the Japanese advance could be halted, even with limited resources.
• 😀 The conflict in China tied down a large portion of the Japanese military, with over 80% of Japan's army remaining committed to the Chinese theater during World War II.
• 😀 The true beginning of World War II can be traced back to the Sino-Japanese War of 1937, as it set the stage for the Pacific Theater and significantly impacted the broader global conflict.

Q & A

When do different countries believe World War II began?

Americans often believe World War II began with the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Russians typically claim it began when Germany invaded the USSR on June 22nd, 1941. Poles, feeling overlooked, point to the invasion of Poland on September 1st, 1939.

Why does the video argue that none of these dates are fully correct?

The video argues that none of these dates are fully correct because, by the time the Germans invaded Poland, a war in Asia had already been raging for two years, with significant casualties and destruction.

What was the Marco-Polo Bridge Incident, and why is it significant?

The Marco-Polo Bridge Incident was a clash between Japanese and Chinese troops near Beijing on July 7, 1937. It marked the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War, which is considered a precursor to World War II, as it involved significant fighting and casualties long before the European theater escalated.

How many casualties did China suffer during the early years of the Second Sino-Japanese War?

Between 1937 and 1939, China suffered 1.03 million military casualties and an estimated 6.25 million civilian deaths due to the war.

What is the significance of the Battle of Shanghai?

The Battle of Shanghai, which lasted from August to November 1937, was a critical moment where Chinese forces made a strong stand against the Japanese. Despite being outgunned, the Chinese defenders held out for over three months, sending a message of resilience to the world.

What was the Sihang Warehouse defense, and how did it contribute to the battle's outcome?

The Sihang Warehouse defense was a notable last stand by 452 Chinese soldiers against 20,000 Japanese troops. It became a symbol of Chinese determination, and the defenders killed over 200 Japanese soldiers, forcing a costly retreat for Japan despite their ultimate victory in Shanghai.

How did international involvement impact the conflict between China and Japan?

The international involvement of the Soviet Union and the United States, including sending military aid and pilots to support China, helped China to tie down a significant portion of Japan’s military resources, ultimately influencing the broader Pacific War.

What role did China play in the Pacific campaign during World War II?

China played a critical role by tying down the bulk of Japan's forces, preventing them from committing their full strength to the Pacific War. This diversion helped the Allies in the broader Pacific campaign from 1937 to 1945.

What was the strategic significance of China’s resistance to Japan?

China's resistance tied up significant Japanese military resources in Asia, which greatly limited Japan's ability to focus on the Pacific front. The prolonged war in China played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of World War II.

How does the video suggest the timeline of World War II could have been different if Japan hadn’t been focused on China?

The video suggests that if Japan hadn't been so focused on China, they might have been able to commit more troops to the Pacific, potentially altering the course of the war in the Pacific theatre.