Perspective
So, I've been reading the Anne of Green Gables books, there are 8 in total and I've finally made it to the last one. This book is essentially entirely about World War One and, what do you know, it's got me thinking.
Some background. World War One was the most ridiculous conflict to ever take place, especially seeing as how it actually engulfed the entire world. Basically through a complicated series of half-forgotten treaties and alliances a couple of countries had problems with eachother and every other country showed up to the fight to back the other one up. It all had to do with land and where the borders were drawn and the like.
Now, to the story. Set in PEI, Canada the plot centers around those left to wait and worry. They are constantly making comments about the evil "Huns" and claiming that God is on their side, the right side. But, really, the Germans were fighting for the same reasons that the Canadians were. They weren't evil, they were young men who were told that it was their duty to fight for their country, just like the Canadians. They prayed the same prayers, only their prayers went unanswered.
And so after years of brutal fighting and devastating loss they at last faced defeat, and their country was left in ruins. As reparation for starting the war the Allied governments drafted the Treaty of Versailles, effectively demilitarizing the country, stomping on their sovereignty and forcing them to pay ridiculous reparations. Inflation went through the roof, their economy was practically non-existent, and for this their men had given their lives.
All that being said, when a government comes along promising to reform your country, to put everything right, to realize the world that your Sons, Husbands, Fathers and Brothers fought and died to obtain, I don't really blame them for supporting it. That doesn't justify, by any means, the fact that this government also advocated genocide, and I promise you, I have not become a Nazi-sympathizer. Only now I have perspective, and I think that's important.
Some background. World War One was the most ridiculous conflict to ever take place, especially seeing as how it actually engulfed the entire world. Basically through a complicated series of half-forgotten treaties and alliances a couple of countries had problems with eachother and every other country showed up to the fight to back the other one up. It all had to do with land and where the borders were drawn and the like.
Now, to the story. Set in PEI, Canada the plot centers around those left to wait and worry. They are constantly making comments about the evil "Huns" and claiming that God is on their side, the right side. But, really, the Germans were fighting for the same reasons that the Canadians were. They weren't evil, they were young men who were told that it was their duty to fight for their country, just like the Canadians. They prayed the same prayers, only their prayers went unanswered.
And so after years of brutal fighting and devastating loss they at last faced defeat, and their country was left in ruins. As reparation for starting the war the Allied governments drafted the Treaty of Versailles, effectively demilitarizing the country, stomping on their sovereignty and forcing them to pay ridiculous reparations. Inflation went through the roof, their economy was practically non-existent, and for this their men had given their lives.
All that being said, when a government comes along promising to reform your country, to put everything right, to realize the world that your Sons, Husbands, Fathers and Brothers fought and died to obtain, I don't really blame them for supporting it. That doesn't justify, by any means, the fact that this government also advocated genocide, and I promise you, I have not become a Nazi-sympathizer. Only now I have perspective, and I think that's important.