What left an impression on me in this chapter was the absolute militaristic ideals forced upon the Japanese children and teenagers. They were brought up in a world that revolved entirely on the military and it's ideals. In America, I feel as though we often take our education for granted. We are given such amazing opportunities while other countries are still forced into the same type of learning process as these young Japanese students. In addition, I found that this chapter helped me to tie some of the loose ends that remained in my mind about the Second World War. I had always wondered how such a vast number of people could be so ready to annihilate themselves on a path to destroy us and this chapter gave me at least part of an answer. It makes me almost pity those Japanese soldiers who believed so heartily in their cause, but it also makes me see why brutality was so prevalent in their society. It's no wonder they felt they were just in their brutalities when they were raised to believe it was their duty to commit such atrocities.
I, too, pity the Japanese soldiers. However, I now understand why they acted the way they did towards their enemies. I wonder exactly where in the world this happens today though? I know that if that sort of treatment happened within the U.S military today, there would be repercussions.
It is saddening the fanatacism exhibited by the Japanese at this time. However, it seems to make sense why Japan would run their country like this. The little island nation did not have a lot of natural resources, And they did not have the space that Americans had at the time. I feel that the entire world was changed and learned lessons from World War two.
I agree with you that in America we do not enjoy the free will we have, and many of us take it for granted. The Japanese had no say in their education, and were tought to be rutheless.Their militeristic education glorifieed death and portrayed death as noble. This also explained to me why the Japenese were so eager to be kamakazi and destroy themselves for their nation in WWII.
Although Japan was no longer isolated, it still kept many of its isolationist policies. After the Russo-Japanese war many didn't react to the evolving world, and focused on the victories they made over Russia, which led them to be an overly militerized nation. Young children were tought in a military manner, and physically punished if they misbehaved, which is something normal children do. Due to Japans militeristic policies the childhood of many of the children was taken away. Furthermore the beating of the soldiers in the military units was extreme. The exerpts from the book given by former Japenese military men are truely horrifying. I was appalled that they were degrated, and beaten every night. Military officials seemed to abuse their power. Furthermore the glorification of death made the Japenese percieve killing as noble, and not as big of a deal as it would be to the rest of the world. Due to this chapter, I am finally able to see how the Flyboys predicament stems from Japans militerism.
To build on your idea of the results of Japanese militarism and glorification of death, this also lead to the Kamikaze style attacks on U.S. Navy ships. Furthermore, it helped cause the mass suicides on Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and the other islands they lost. Do yo think that if Japan had just moved on from the Russo Japanese war these would have been prevented?
I found the militaristic treatment of the majority of the Japanese nation to be illuminating. I had always wondered why the Japanese soldiers were so determined in their fight. Just like you, I was appalled by the treatment of both the Japanese soldiers and the young generation of Japanese citizens. It amazes me that such abuses of power can be carried out without any intervention. Perhaps if we had intervened early on then we could've avoided our involvement in the war altogether. Alas, though, that is one thing we will never know.
I think one of the most interesting aspects of this chapter is the virtually instantaneous shift of Japanese policy following the death of Meiji. Bradley says that Japan had the full support of the U.S. during the Russo-Japanese War, and used it, as Teddy Roosevelt negotiated the peace treaty for it. Roosevelt also congratulated Japan on their success in competing with Russia, and welcomed them to the imperialist fold with open arms. However, with the death of Emperor Meiji, Japan clearly changed its ways. The immediate switch from the state under Meiji to the military controlled way that we think of during this time period is alarming. The description of the way militarism pervaded everyday life is stunning. It surprises me that this did not set off any red flags in the U.S. government as a potential threat, as Japan at this point became almost the same as Nazi Germany would evolve into: a brainwashed, military nation that was under the control of violent, power drunk men. I also found it hard to believe that the perpetual abuse of the soldiers was constructive. As we know, it achieved its purpose in making the Japanese fight with an unheard of fury. However, it would seem to me that constant abuse for no reason would make the soldiers resentful, and not obey the orders they were given.
I think it is surprising to see the military practices of Japan now, because it is so alien from our current policies. However, I don't know how much more just American soldiers were at the time. The U.S. probably saw the Japanese as a growing imperial power that rightfully was taking over weaker adversaries. Additionally, I find the constant abuse of the Japanese soldiers surprising. THey must have been brainwashed to a point of no return, not to harbor resentment.
This chapter both shocked and amazed me. I was surprised that Japan was so quickly able to take on a foe as formidable as Russia. I can't believe it took only 2 generations for Japan to modernize its army into a deadly fighting force. What interested me most was the authors mentioning of how when Commodore Perry arrived in Japan, the Japanese people were in awe of his buttons and now 50 years later they were taking on Russia. Later in the chapter I was shocked to learn the plight of Japanese soldiers in training. I can not imagine living in the U.S believing that the president was a god. I wonder why no Japanese ever stepped forward to question this. Furthermore, I was shocked to learn how the soldiers were treated. I don't know how the soldiers took the beatings so obediently. I'm sure in todays society that would not pass. I am excited to read more as I have yet to hear any mention of the Flyboys thus far.
I was not only shocked by the rapid development of Japan's military, but also the pious support that they gave. Japanese leaders craftily manipulated Bushido to satisfy their means. The code of Bushido always seemed strange to me. I did not understand the difference between it when samurias followed it, compared to how it was followed during the 20th century. Bradley's description explains why the system of honor is the way it was. The quote that began the chapter amplified the fanatical nature of the Japanese. They did not care whether they were outmanned or outgunned. They firmly believed if they had stronger fighting spirit, they could win. This idea is often true, such as the American Revolution or Vietnam. However it is not always true as shown during the constant American-Indian conflicts.
This chapter exposed the twisted viewpoint of the soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army. It greatly aided in my understanding of the brutality of Japanese soldiers of WWII. The transition from Meiji soldiers who personified samurai warriors to brutal, robotic killers explains the future actions of Emperor Hirohito and the Japanese army. It is difficult to comprehend how the Japanese were so willing to die for their country and emperor. However, the explanation of the Japanese soldiers' brutal training and hierarchical military realistically justify their practices. The explanation of the Japanese military tactics makes me worry about the fate of the Flyboys. Japanese torture was prevalent throughout WWII, as demonstrated in the Bataan Death March and the concentration camps on the Japanese mainland. Water boarding, beatings, and starvings were constant realities. That being said, the torture that wasn't documented could have been worse than the highlighted occurrences. War is a dirty affair, and it can bring out the worse in people.
I agree that the description of the Japanese military tactics are worrisome for the fate of the Flyboys. At the Bataan Death March and in concentration camps, Americans were tortured and brutally attacked by the Japanese Imperial Army. American soldiers faced a country who would not take defeat. After possibly underestimating the Japanese army, American soldiers persevered against them and fought for an end to the war.
I was truly surprised to read so much about the brutality of Japanese soldiers. Bradley provides a clear image about how the Japanese were willing to fight and sacrifice themselves for their country. Because the Japanese were so brutal, WWII veterans often had scarring memories of Japanese torture. Another thing I found interesting was how different their culture is. The forced military tactics on children and teenagers truly proves how intense their culture was. In the end, I feel bad for Japanese soldiers and citizens because they grew accustomed to the brutality of their military. Compared to Japan, America has many opportunities to offer that sometimes we take for granted. Unfortunately, I think this chapter foreshadows how intense the Flyboys journey will be. I'm curious, from the viewpoints of the soldiers, what they experienced. Would these military tactics be tolerated today?
What left an impression on me in this chapter was the absolute militaristic ideals forced upon the Japanese children and teenagers. They were brought up in a world that revolved entirely on the military and it's ideals. In America, I feel as though we often take our education for granted. We are given such amazing opportunities while other countries are still forced into the same type of learning process as these young Japanese students. In addition, I found that this chapter helped me to tie some of the loose ends that remained in my mind about the Second World War. I had always wondered how such a vast number of people could be so ready to annihilate themselves on a path to destroy us and this chapter gave me at least part of an answer. It makes me almost pity those Japanese soldiers who believed so heartily in their cause, but it also makes me see why brutality was so prevalent in their society. It's no wonder they felt they were just in their brutalities when they were raised to believe it was their duty to commit such atrocities.
ReplyDeleteI, too, pity the Japanese soldiers. However, I now understand why they acted the way they did towards their enemies. I wonder exactly where in the world this happens today though? I know that if that sort of treatment happened within the U.S military today, there would be repercussions.
DeleteIt is saddening the fanatacism exhibited by the Japanese at this time. However, it seems to make sense why Japan would run their country like this. The little island nation did not have a lot of natural resources, And they did not have the space that Americans had at the time. I feel that the entire world was changed and learned lessons from World War two.
DeleteI agree with you that in America we do not enjoy the free will we have, and many of us take it for granted. The Japanese had no say in their education, and were tought to be rutheless.Their militeristic education glorifieed death and portrayed death as noble. This also explained to me why the Japenese were so eager to be kamakazi and destroy themselves for their nation in WWII.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Japan was no longer isolated, it still kept many of its isolationist policies. After the Russo-Japanese war many didn't react to the evolving world, and focused on the victories they made over Russia, which led them to be an overly militerized nation. Young children were tought in a military manner, and physically punished if they misbehaved, which is something normal children do. Due to Japans militeristic policies the childhood of many of the children was taken away. Furthermore the beating of the soldiers in the military units was extreme. The exerpts from the book given by former Japenese military men are truely horrifying. I was appalled that they were degrated, and beaten every night. Military officials seemed to abuse their power. Furthermore the glorification of death made the Japenese percieve killing as noble, and not as big of a deal as it would be to the rest of the world. Due to this chapter, I am finally able to see how the Flyboys predicament stems from Japans militerism.
ReplyDeleteTo build on your idea of the results of Japanese militarism and glorification of death, this also lead to the Kamikaze style attacks on U.S. Navy ships. Furthermore, it helped cause the mass suicides on Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and the other islands they lost. Do yo think that if Japan had just moved on from the Russo Japanese war these would have been prevented?
DeleteI found the militaristic treatment of the majority of the Japanese nation to be illuminating. I had always wondered why the Japanese soldiers were so determined in their fight. Just like you, I was appalled by the treatment of both the Japanese soldiers and the young generation of Japanese citizens. It amazes me that such abuses of power can be carried out without any intervention. Perhaps if we had intervened early on then we could've avoided our involvement in the war altogether. Alas, though, that is one thing we will never know.
DeleteI think one of the most interesting aspects of this chapter is the virtually instantaneous shift of Japanese policy following the death of Meiji. Bradley says that Japan had the full support of the U.S. during the Russo-Japanese War, and used it, as Teddy Roosevelt negotiated the peace treaty for it. Roosevelt also congratulated Japan on their success in competing with Russia, and welcomed them to the imperialist fold with open arms. However, with the death of Emperor Meiji, Japan clearly changed its ways. The immediate switch from the state under Meiji to the military controlled way that we think of during this time period is alarming. The description of the way militarism pervaded everyday life is stunning. It surprises me that this did not set off any red flags in the U.S. government as a potential threat, as Japan at this point became almost the same as Nazi Germany would evolve into: a brainwashed, military nation that was under the control of violent, power drunk men. I also found it hard to believe that the perpetual abuse of the soldiers was constructive. As we know, it achieved its purpose in making the Japanese fight with an unheard of fury. However, it would seem to me that constant abuse for no reason would make the soldiers resentful, and not obey the orders they were given.
ReplyDeleteI think it is surprising to see the military practices of Japan now, because it is so alien from our current policies. However, I don't know how much more just American soldiers were at the time. The U.S. probably saw the Japanese as a growing imperial power that rightfully was taking over weaker adversaries. Additionally, I find the constant abuse of the Japanese soldiers surprising. THey must have been brainwashed to a point of no return, not to harbor resentment.
DeleteThis chapter both shocked and amazed me. I was surprised that Japan was so quickly able to take on a foe as formidable as Russia. I can't believe it took only 2 generations for Japan to modernize its army into a deadly fighting force. What interested me most was the authors mentioning of how when Commodore Perry arrived in Japan, the Japanese people were in awe of his buttons and now 50 years later they were taking on Russia. Later in the chapter I was shocked to learn the plight of Japanese soldiers in training. I can not imagine living in the U.S believing that the president was a god. I wonder why no Japanese ever stepped forward to question this. Furthermore, I was shocked to learn how the soldiers were treated. I don't know how the soldiers took the beatings so obediently. I'm sure in todays society that would not pass. I am excited to read more as I have yet to hear any mention of the Flyboys thus far.
ReplyDeleteI was not only shocked by the rapid development of Japan's military, but also the pious support that they gave. Japanese leaders craftily manipulated Bushido to satisfy their means. The code of Bushido always seemed strange to me. I did not understand the difference between it when samurias followed it, compared to how it was followed during the 20th century. Bradley's description explains why the system of honor is the way it was. The quote that began the chapter amplified the fanatical nature of the Japanese. They did not care whether they were outmanned or outgunned. They firmly believed if they had stronger fighting spirit, they could win. This idea is often true, such as the American Revolution or Vietnam. However it is not always true as shown during the constant American-Indian conflicts.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter exposed the twisted viewpoint of the soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army. It greatly aided in my understanding of the brutality of Japanese soldiers of WWII. The transition from Meiji soldiers who personified samurai warriors to brutal, robotic killers explains the future actions of Emperor Hirohito and the Japanese army. It is difficult to comprehend how the Japanese were so willing to die for their country and emperor. However, the explanation of the Japanese soldiers' brutal training and hierarchical military realistically justify their practices. The explanation of the Japanese military tactics makes me worry about the fate of the Flyboys. Japanese torture was prevalent throughout WWII, as demonstrated in the Bataan Death March and the concentration camps on the Japanese mainland. Water boarding, beatings, and starvings were constant realities. That being said, the torture that wasn't documented could have been worse than the highlighted occurrences. War is a dirty affair, and it can bring out the worse in people.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the description of the Japanese military tactics are worrisome for the fate of the Flyboys. At the Bataan Death March and in concentration camps, Americans were tortured and brutally attacked by the Japanese Imperial Army. American soldiers faced a country who would not take defeat. After possibly underestimating the Japanese army, American soldiers persevered against them and fought for an end to the war.
DeleteI was truly surprised to read so much about the brutality of Japanese soldiers. Bradley provides a clear image about how the Japanese were willing to fight and sacrifice themselves for their country. Because the Japanese were so brutal, WWII veterans often had scarring memories of Japanese torture. Another thing I found interesting was how different their culture is. The forced military tactics on children and teenagers truly proves how intense their culture was. In the end, I feel bad for Japanese soldiers and citizens because they grew accustomed to the brutality of their military. Compared to Japan, America has many opportunities to offer that sometimes we take for granted. Unfortunately, I think this chapter foreshadows how intense the Flyboys journey will be. I'm curious, from the viewpoints of the soldiers, what they experienced. Would these military tactics be tolerated today?
ReplyDelete