Quote:
Originally posted by russellwarshay
Don't forget that the reason that the French and British people were so appreciative of Americans right after WWII, is because the U.S. had an insignificant role in that war.
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Look I just wanted to point out that the US significance in WW2 (and most definately in WW1) wasn't the be all and end all that most Americans beleive it to be (by this I mean the average person on the street). It is a nationalistic myth that has been influenced mostly by film and TV (think of a big US produced movie or show that showed people other than the US fighting). Canada has the same nationalistic myths too; such as the militia fighting of the US invasion in 1812 (they supported the Brits, the militia sigificance has been over-inflated), and most media productions reflect this.
Yes the US had a very significant role in WW2, but so did a number of countries. Prior to it's entry into the war the US made significant contributions in material to the UK and USSR, but so did most of the other Allies. As for the Brits and the French being thankful; of course they were, their industries had been severely damaged, their manpower greatly reduced, and their economies in the hole from the war effort..... the Marshal Plan was what helped put Europe back on it's feet, and I'd feel pretty damn appreciative of that aid.
So to sum up the US was a significant combatant in WW2, but not the primary one (except for the Pacific theatre).