8 replies to this topic

[Romantic Technofreak]

In December 1941, the situation for the German troops both in Russia and in North Africa was difficult. Thus, when news about the Japanese successfull action at Pearl Harbor reached Hitler in his headquarter in East Prussia, he was delighted. After his military entourage had toasted on the ally, Hitler asked: "Where is that Pearl Harbor?"

 

None of the men knew it.

 

 

(Quoted from an American historian who himself quotes a German one, details on request).

 

Regards, RT

[Armand]

Few America's would be able to answer him too. For the same reason wrote the American papers next day about a Japanese raid on Oahu :-o

[Romantic Technofreak]

Armand, you may excuse simple people for having no knowledge about geography. But my point is about staff officers which were on to wage a world war.

 

Regards, RT

[Armand]

Reconcidering that Hawaii didn't become an US state until 1959, might Oahu be as unknown as Pearl Harbour to the average American in 1941 :-/

[Kutscha]

Pearl Harbor was a major USN naval base since 1899.

 

Aviation after WW1 was big in the USA.

 

The Dole Air Race to Hawaii in 1927, https://en.wikipedia...i/Dole_Air_RaceBetween 75,000 and 100,000 people showed up for the start.

[Ricky]

It is amusing. But I think it is understandable. German staff officers were undertaking a land war in Europe, not a naval war in the Pacific

[Stony]

I think at that time, most europeans didn't know where Pearl Harbour is.

Like most europeans cannot name 10 US states without looking them up, nowadays..
And vice versa...

[Romantic Technofreak]

It is amusing. But I think it is understandable. German staff officers were undertaking a land war in Europe, not a naval war in the Pacific

It is understandable when you accept their point of view. But the point is, that the German point of view was wrong. The Germans did not accept to realize that their war would become a world war. So they missed a proper preparation, including thorough world geographical knowledge.

 

 

Like most europeans cannot name 10 US states without looking them up, nowadays..

 

I wonder if many US-Americans can name all 50 states without interruption. Here, I found it is a nice mental exercise game to do so.

 

Regards, RT

[Stony]

I believe US youngsters are learning all the states at the top of their head at school.