Originally posted by Shotgun:
Roosevelt made an astonishing proclamation January 24th casablanca
conference, calling for Germany's unconditional surrender. Which
means they no longer had the option to surrender, remove hitler
from power, and perhaps bargain for leniency. Played by the
propaganda master, Goebbels, the german troops were fighting for
their national existence, and not for Hitler anymore.
Somewhere along the line, the mentality changed. Each individual
fought for each other, and together they fought for their national
existence, from an enemy that would not stop until their country
was gone.[/quote]
isn't this precisely my point? they knew that they've pissed off
the russians real bad and they're now coming for revenge. roosevelt
has stated clearly that only unconditional surrender was acceptable
to the allies and the germans, having run themselves into a corner,
now had to fight to the death because an existential threat is
looming at their doorstep.
this would be similar to what Sg might face in the unfortunate
event of war. either we apply ruthlessly forward defence
capabilities to bring them to their knees before they have a chance
to make a move or they'll come in here u can ponder on the
consequences of that in your free time.
to be honest, nothing motivates an army more than victory or
existential threat of defeat. its the more nuanced "in between"
stages of an armed conflict that might complicate things.
what are the war aims? its not fighting the war thats important.
that's clear and easy enough. its ending it that's the ultimate
challenge.
