In this chapter, I found a new angle to look at Pearl Harbor from, first and foremost. I think that if the government had heeded Mitchell's warnings, or at least looked into building an air force, Japan may have decided against bombing Pearl Harbor. As it was, the government didn't, Japan did, and the rest is history. I also think the government would have taken Mitchell more seriously if he had ordered his planes to directly impact the German ship during the tests in the Atlantic, although it is incredible that non-direct impacts caused the ship to sink. You would think that this result and the result of the anti-aircraft test combined would push the government towards the foundation of a strong air force, but it clearly did not. On the other hand, a reason they may not have could have been to stop other nations from realizing the power of controlling the skies. Obviously, as Europe found out in 1939, this did not work, as air power was a major part of the Nazi Blitzkrieg. Another reason could be that the technology of the time prevented the development of aircraft. In the book it states that the aircraft traveled at 98 miles an hour. In that era, most cars would have fallen apart if they reached that speed. However, as none were capable of it without serious modification and money input, they didn't have to worry about that.
You raise a valid point saying that Mitchell may have made a stronger point had he directly hit the German ship, however, I must disagree. I believe his point was strengthened in that it was incredible that airplanes had the power to sink a ship even without hitting it directly. Furthermore, I would like to add to your point about technology of the time limiting aircraft development. I agree, and I feel that if aircraft development and research had begun earlier in history, we may have even more advanced aircraft today.
Colin and Casey - This is a great example of an insightful post and also a reply that deeply considers that post. Well done to both of you. Your dialogue here demonstrates the beautiful aspect of history in that different conclusions can be insightfully drawn from the same event in time.
In this chapter I was enlightened to the history surrounding Americas first endeavors regarding aircraft. Billy Mitchell and his "third dimension" theory posed a valid concern in regards to how war would be fought in the future. I found it interesting that the military, always wanting to be at the forefront of technology, would not embrace the airplane. Today, the military develops and experiments with new weapons all of the time and is quick to implement them on the battlefield. However, given how unorganized the military was in the early 20th century, I suppose no one was too keen on spending more money on a technology that may or may not pay off in the future. In contrast, it was shocking the military did not spring for airplane research and development, even after Mitchell's successful demonstration of air power. I believe that the U.S military today has learned from their mistakes and also has taken heed of the warnings of Generals past. To discount Mitchell's prophecy of an air invasion from Japan was foolish. As was evident from previous chapters, Japan was rapidly industrializing and more than capable of producing aircraft that could reach Hawaii by the mid 20th century. I only wish Billy Mitchell could have been alive to experience his prophecy come true and ultimately have the last laugh at the U.S government. I was truly saddened by the fact that he died before this could happen.
I was also surprised by the top down, conservative nature of the military at the time. It makes sense to a point though. The isolationism and "Return to Normalcy" of the 1920s would certainly not favor new military developments or spending. THe feeling of victory after WWI masked the U.S. aeronautical deficiencies and led to the perfect surprise attack for Japan. It is hard to find weaknesses in a triumph, so I understand the backlash from Mitchell's radicalism.
It is quite disarming to see how precisely Billy Mitchell predicted the Japanese offensive that sparked U.S. involvement in WWII. He warned, "THey can fly, are going to fly, and may end up developing the greatest air power in the world." However, I do believe in the saying, "Hindsight is 20/20." I'm sure there have been prophecies throughout history about wars, but actually making military decisions is exponentially more difficult than criticizing them. That being said, we were woefully unprepared for war in the "Third Dimension" that would become pivotal in the Pacific conflict. It is interesting to read about the military tests and theories of Billy Mitchell, as I have never heard his name before. Do we not learn about him in history class because of his insignificance or the black eye he gave the U.S. government and military? It is frightening to think there may have been signs like this proceeding other wars. I never knew that the Navy and Army departments on Pearl Harbor didn't communicate, and their fusion could have saved thousands of lives. What else might we not know about our military conflicts and errors? The thought is alarming.
Weavs, great post and quite thoughtful. The predictions of Billy Mitchell were quite remarkable. I agree your "hindsight" comment warrants consideration but what scared me was different branches of the military may have minimized his ideas because it would have in fact impacted their branch. This goes along with the idea of different branches of the military be coordinated with each others' input. We have certainly come a long way but territorial concern has effected our military effectiveness in different parts of history as pointed out by Bradley.
It's definitly alarming that many military conflicts have been masked up. However that seems to be a trend since the fate of the Flyboys was concealed for many years. Billy Mitchell was correct about the "Third Dimension" and the outcome of WWII may have been different if he had only been listened to. Thankfully after WWII many took the cue and built up the Air Force.
I was also wondering why we don’t learn of these stories in school. I think there are many other stories of war that we will never learn of. Also, as Veronica said, how would've the war been different if people had listened to Mitchell? If the United States had a more advanced air force at that time would the war have ended earlier?
I agree that is incredible that Mitchell could predict the Japanese moves that accurately. It almost makes me want to believe some of the conspiracy theories that President Roosevelt knew Pearl Harbor was going to happen and did nothing about it. I also wonder as to just exactly how much the general public is informed of military dealings of this magnitude. Perhaps you are right in thinking that Mitchell's name isn't in the history books in order for the governament to save face.
This chapter was particularly interesting since I had no idea that the United States government was so opposed to building up defenses in the "Third Dimension". The United States seemed to be developing rapidly, as well as adapting the newest technology. The United States was also anxious to be the dominent world power and control all aspects of the world, thus I'm even more surprised that the United States would not be eager to adapt the airplane. The lack of interest in aviation at the time seemed to be a detrimental decision by the United States. Billy Michell's theories proved true, despite being widely unpopular. Mitchells prediction about Pearl Harbor was incredibly accurate. Japans rapid industrialization and militerization should've been a warning. The government should've looked into into it inorder to justify their dislike for the aircraft. After having realized their mistake the United States bouded into action. Now the Air Force is the most powerful, and useful sector of the Military.
It is interesting that you say "the Air Force is the most powerful and useful sector of the Military." It is a bold statement to say one part of the military is more important than the other. The military has changed as well though. There is an overlap between branches that was not present in the first half of the 20th century.
Much of this chapter surprised me. It is unheard of for a general in the US army to question his government to the point that Mitchell did. Mitchell was a celebrity in his time period. Most generals now do not have this status. I was also surprised, similar to others, at the lack of Mitchell's name in US History courses around the nation. It seems that a "prophet" like Mitchell is very important to Pearl Harbor and WWII history. What was very surprising was how well Mitchell would take what the government and military would do to try to suppress him and use it to his advantage. For example, when they send him on his world tour to attempt to reduce his influence, he uses what he sees to further prove his point. It is never told that the Navy and Army at Pearl Harbor did not communicate and occasionally seemed to stop talking with each other. This idea seems strange with how organized and structured the military is now. This is just one of the many lessons learned from the early 20th century.
I found this chapter to be surprising since it revealed such an interesting facet of the war. Unlike what seems to be most of the class, I had actually heard about Billy Mitchell before reading the chapter. However, I found it strange that I hadn't ever heard about his actions in such detail. I find it extremely peculiar that both history textbooks and our government have skipped over his forewarnings. I understand that we must receive more than a few warnings such as those of Billy Mitchell, but I would think that we would've taken Mitchell's rather more seriously. It's frightening to think that we had the ability to prevent Pearl Harbor and it causes me to question what other events in our history that we may have been able to prevent had we listened to forewarnings. In addition, I found it very strange that the United States was so cautious about adapting the airplane for their own uses. We were so ready to subjugate other nations and yet weren't prepared for use of the airplane? Seems a little peculiar to me.
I also think that Mitchell himself had seen the attack coming. However I think it is hard for the U.S. government to go on the ideas of just one man, which may have led them to turn down his accusations. This would then have led to the text books not saying anything about Mitchell's ideas of this time so to then, in turn, make the U.S. government look better to the readers; although this could be false.
At a time when new technology was being invented, countries were using the airplane and getting better prepared for war. I couldn't believe that the United States was not as serious about the use of the airplane. I think this helped Japan feel just for attacking Pearl Harbor. The fact that the U.S. didn't invest into new technologies lead to the attack on our homeland. Also, I found it interesting how Mitchell predicted the involvement of the United States in WWII. Sometimes conspiracy theories are discussed after events but Mitchell predicted the attack prior to any information. While reading these stories that I've never heard about before make me wonder why we don't learn them in school. It seems that many militaristic events have been covered up in the past. Finally, I hope to learn more about the specific Flyboys journey. I hope Bradley also describes other battles and impacts on the war in other areas of the South Pacific.
I also found it surprising that the US put such little effort into pursuing new technology for war. I understand that we were just coming down from our victory in the First World War and we desired some peace on the home-front, but it surprises me that we would've overlooked the technological buildup occurring throughout the militaries of other nations. However, I don't think that necessarily justify Japan's actions. For a country that spent so much time feeling outdone, Japan obviously desired some sort of ego boost- but killing Americans doesn't seem truly beneficial to either side. In fact, by dragging America into the war, Japan sealed it's own fate.
I found this chapter to be very interesting talking about Billy Mitchell. I had never heard of him before and I was partly fascinated with what he had to say. It was surprising that in a way he predicted the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor because he knew that they would be a great air power but he did not know when or where they would attack. It's scary to think that his prediction was a reality in a way. He truly believed that airfare would be the new way to fight wars. However he did not live to see what his prediction had become, which was sad. I also enjoyed how the chapter touched upon the attack of Pearl Harbor.
In this chapter, I found a new angle to look at Pearl Harbor from, first and foremost. I think that if the government had heeded Mitchell's warnings, or at least looked into building an air force, Japan may have decided against bombing Pearl Harbor. As it was, the government didn't, Japan did, and the rest is history. I also think the government would have taken Mitchell more seriously if he had ordered his planes to directly impact the German ship during the tests in the Atlantic, although it is incredible that non-direct impacts caused the ship to sink. You would think that this result and the result of the anti-aircraft test combined would push the government towards the foundation of a strong air force, but it clearly did not. On the other hand, a reason they may not have could have been to stop other nations from realizing the power of controlling the skies. Obviously, as Europe found out in 1939, this did not work, as air power was a major part of the Nazi Blitzkrieg. Another reason could be that the technology of the time prevented the development of aircraft. In the book it states that the aircraft traveled at 98 miles an hour. In that era, most cars would have fallen apart if they reached that speed. However, as none were capable of it without serious modification and money input, they didn't have to worry about that.
ReplyDeleteYou raise a valid point saying that Mitchell may have made a stronger point had he directly hit the German ship, however, I must disagree. I believe his point was strengthened in that it was incredible that airplanes had the power to sink a ship even without hitting it directly. Furthermore, I would like to add to your point about technology of the time limiting aircraft development. I agree, and I feel that if aircraft development and research had begun earlier in history, we may have even more advanced aircraft today.
DeleteColin and Casey - This is a great example of an insightful post and also a reply that deeply considers that post. Well done to both of you. Your dialogue here demonstrates the beautiful aspect of history in that different conclusions can be insightfully drawn from the same event in time.
DeleteIn this chapter I was enlightened to the history surrounding Americas first endeavors regarding aircraft. Billy Mitchell and his "third dimension" theory posed a valid concern in regards to how war would be fought in the future. I found it interesting that the military, always wanting to be at the forefront of technology, would not embrace the airplane. Today, the military develops and experiments with new weapons all of the time and is quick to implement them on the battlefield. However, given how unorganized the military was in the early 20th century, I suppose no one was too keen on spending more money on a technology that may or may not pay off in the future. In contrast, it was shocking the military did not spring for airplane research and development, even after Mitchell's successful demonstration of air power. I believe that the U.S military today has learned from their mistakes and also has taken heed of the warnings of Generals past. To discount Mitchell's prophecy of an air invasion from Japan was foolish. As was evident from previous chapters, Japan was rapidly industrializing and more than capable of producing aircraft that could reach Hawaii by the mid 20th century. I only wish Billy Mitchell could have been alive to experience his prophecy come true and ultimately have the last laugh at the U.S government. I was truly saddened by the fact that he died before this could happen.
ReplyDeleteI was also surprised by the top down, conservative nature of the military at the time. It makes sense to a point though. The isolationism and "Return to Normalcy" of the 1920s would certainly not favor new military developments or spending. THe feeling of victory after WWI masked the U.S. aeronautical deficiencies and led to the perfect surprise attack for Japan. It is hard to find weaknesses in a triumph, so I understand the backlash from Mitchell's radicalism.
DeleteIt is quite disarming to see how precisely Billy Mitchell predicted the Japanese offensive that sparked U.S. involvement in WWII. He warned, "THey can fly, are going to fly, and may end up developing the greatest air power in the world." However, I do believe in the saying, "Hindsight is 20/20." I'm sure there have been prophecies throughout history about wars, but actually making military decisions is exponentially more difficult than criticizing them. That being said, we were woefully unprepared for war in the "Third Dimension" that would become pivotal in the Pacific conflict. It is interesting to read about the military tests and theories of Billy Mitchell, as I have never heard his name before. Do we not learn about him in history class because of his insignificance or the black eye he gave the U.S. government and military? It is frightening to think there may have been signs like this proceeding other wars. I never knew that the Navy and Army departments on Pearl Harbor didn't communicate, and their fusion could have saved thousands of lives. What else might we not know about our military conflicts and errors? The thought is alarming.
ReplyDeleteWeavs, great post and quite thoughtful. The predictions of Billy Mitchell were quite remarkable. I agree your "hindsight" comment warrants consideration but what scared me was different branches of the military may have minimized his ideas because it would have in fact impacted their branch. This goes along with the idea of different branches of the military be coordinated with each others' input. We have certainly come a long way but territorial concern has effected our military effectiveness in different parts of history as pointed out by Bradley.
DeleteIt's definitly alarming that many military conflicts have been masked up. However that seems to be a trend since the fate of the Flyboys was concealed for many years. Billy Mitchell was correct about the "Third Dimension" and the outcome of WWII may have been different if he had only been listened to. Thankfully after WWII many took the cue and built up the Air Force.
DeleteI was also wondering why we don’t learn of these stories in school. I think there are many other stories of war that we will never learn of. Also, as Veronica said, how would've the war been different if people had listened to Mitchell? If the United States had a more advanced air force at that time would the war have ended earlier?
DeleteI agree that is incredible that Mitchell could predict the Japanese moves that accurately. It almost makes me want to believe some of the conspiracy theories that President Roosevelt knew Pearl Harbor was going to happen and did nothing about it. I also wonder as to just exactly how much the general public is informed of military dealings of this magnitude. Perhaps you are right in thinking that Mitchell's name isn't in the history books in order for the governament to save face.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter was particularly interesting since I had no idea that the United States government was so opposed to building up defenses in the "Third Dimension". The United States seemed to be developing rapidly, as well as adapting the newest technology. The United States was also anxious to be the dominent world power and control all aspects of the world, thus I'm even more surprised that the United States would not be eager to adapt the airplane. The lack of interest in aviation at the time seemed to be a detrimental decision by the United States. Billy Michell's theories proved true, despite being widely unpopular. Mitchells prediction about Pearl Harbor was incredibly accurate. Japans rapid industrialization and militerization should've been a warning. The government should've looked into into it inorder to justify their dislike for the aircraft. After having realized their mistake the United States bouded into action. Now the Air Force is the most powerful, and useful sector of the Military.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you say "the Air Force is the most powerful and useful sector of the Military." It is a bold statement to say one part of the military is more important than the other. The military has changed as well though. There is an overlap between branches that was not present in the first half of the 20th century.
DeleteMuch of this chapter surprised me. It is unheard of for a general in the US army to question his government to the point that Mitchell did. Mitchell was a celebrity in his time period. Most generals now do not have this status. I was also surprised, similar to others, at the lack of Mitchell's name in US History courses around the nation. It seems that a "prophet" like Mitchell is very important to Pearl Harbor and WWII history. What was very surprising was how well Mitchell would take what the government and military would do to try to suppress him and use it to his advantage. For example, when they send him on his world tour to attempt to reduce his influence, he uses what he sees to further prove his point. It is never told that the Navy and Army at Pearl Harbor did not communicate and occasionally seemed to stop talking with each other. This idea seems strange with how organized and structured the military is now. This is just one of the many lessons learned from the early 20th century.
ReplyDeleteI found this chapter to be surprising since it revealed such an interesting facet of the war. Unlike what seems to be most of the class, I had actually heard about Billy Mitchell before reading the chapter. However, I found it strange that I hadn't ever heard about his actions in such detail. I find it extremely peculiar that both history textbooks and our government have skipped over his forewarnings. I understand that we must receive more than a few warnings such as those of Billy Mitchell, but I would think that we would've taken Mitchell's rather more seriously. It's frightening to think that we had the ability to prevent Pearl Harbor and it causes me to question what other events in our history that we may have been able to prevent had we listened to forewarnings. In addition, I found it very strange that the United States was so cautious about adapting the airplane for their own uses. We were so ready to subjugate other nations and yet weren't prepared for use of the airplane? Seems a little peculiar to me.
ReplyDeleteI also think that Mitchell himself had seen the attack coming. However I think it is hard for the U.S. government to go on the ideas of just one man, which may have led them to turn down his accusations. This would then have led to the text books not saying anything about Mitchell's ideas of this time so to then, in turn, make the U.S. government look better to the readers; although this could be false.
DeleteAt a time when new technology was being invented, countries were using the airplane and getting better prepared for war. I couldn't believe that the United States was not as serious about the use of the airplane. I think this helped Japan feel just for attacking Pearl Harbor. The fact that the U.S. didn't invest into new technologies lead to the attack on our homeland. Also, I found it interesting how Mitchell predicted the involvement of the United States in WWII. Sometimes conspiracy theories are discussed after events but Mitchell predicted the attack prior to any information. While reading these stories that I've never heard about before make me wonder why we don't learn them in school. It seems that many militaristic events have been covered up in the past. Finally, I hope to learn more about the specific Flyboys journey. I hope Bradley also describes other battles and impacts on the war in other areas of the South Pacific.
ReplyDeleteI also found it surprising that the US put such little effort into pursuing new technology for war. I understand that we were just coming down from our victory in the First World War and we desired some peace on the home-front, but it surprises me that we would've overlooked the technological buildup occurring throughout the militaries of other nations. However, I don't think that necessarily justify Japan's actions. For a country that spent so much time feeling outdone, Japan obviously desired some sort of ego boost- but killing Americans doesn't seem truly beneficial to either side. In fact, by dragging America into the war, Japan sealed it's own fate.
DeleteI found this chapter to be very interesting talking about Billy Mitchell. I had never heard of him before and I was partly fascinated with what he had to say. It was surprising that in a way he predicted the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor because he knew that they would be a great air power but he did not know when or where they would attack. It's scary to think that his prediction was a reality in a way. He truly believed that airfare would be the new way to fight wars. However he did not live to see what his prediction had become, which was sad. I also enjoyed how the chapter touched upon the attack of Pearl Harbor.
ReplyDelete