re: "The Russians stopped the Germans on their own as far as Russian soil goes."
Not entirely on their own. The Americans and British gave an extremely large amount of supplies and weapons to the Soviet War effort. Also it should be pointed out, that until the Germans attacked the Soviet Union in June 1941, Communists (controlled by the USSR) both in internationally and in the United States were opposed to America's support of Britain during the Second World War. Yes, the Russians stopped the Germans "on their own as far as Russian soil goes", aided with: about 8,000 fighter aircraft delivered, 900 bombers, 7,000 anti-aircraft guns, 11,000 American tanks, 8,000 other AFVs, 81,000 machine guns, 400,000 trucks and jeeps, 22,000,000 shells - from their American Allies (both before and after December 7, 1941). It should also be pointed out, that it was Germany's invasion of Poland - with the cooperation of the Soviet Union, that triggered the Second World War.
re: "As to why the U.S. waited till P.H. to enter the war--you tell me?!"
My guess, would be that till Germany declared war, Hitler's Germany was not considered an "imminent threat" to the United States. Though I'd like to point out, that the US Navy and Germany Navy were trying to sink each other's warships in the Atlantic months before the Declaration of War (in addition, a U.S. Navy plane and U.S. Navy pilot - "on loan" to the British were the one's who "found" the Bismark). Why did the Soviets stay on such friendly terms with the Nazis, even while the Nazis were rolling up the USSR's neighbors? - you tell me?!
re: "In any case, when the U.S entered the European Theater the German Army was a shadow of what it had been."
While it may be true that the Americans did not enter Europe till July 1943(Sicily), they had opened up a "second front" as early as November 1942 in North Africa - the same time as the Battle of Stalingrad was happening.
re: "So if the Japanese had NOT attacked Pearl Harbor--WHEN was America planning to assist against the threat of National Socialism and Communism? What year (or contingency) did the brass have in mind? Is that a fair question? One wonders about such details...
The Lend Lease Program began 3 months before the Soviets went to war with the Germans. In fact, when Lend Lease was passed by the Congress, the Germans and Russians were still on friendly terms - with a Non-Agression Pact. So the United States were supporting the effort against Hitler - BEFORE the Soviets.
re: "I know that some Canadians were active in the profits available in a mighty Germany. I have heard Capitalists from other Nations were as well. Oh..it is a bad old world! ;-)"
You may be correct, but by 1941 those American Capitalists who were connected, knew that the American Government had already aligned itself with the Allies and Britain - this may be why Prescott Bush founded and began organizing the USO BEFORE (Feb, 1941) America's entry into World War Two, and Prescott Bush's boss Harriman became the Managing Director of the Lend Lease Program which were so vital to the British and Soviet War Efforts. |
