WWII Essay
...al of the people. Daladier states that the reason for going to war to be, “We are waging war because it has been thrust on us.” This reason could be debatable as many see the German aggression towards France as a result of the French being a large advocate and participant in the mistreatment of Germany after the Treaty of Versailles. The resentment and hate towards the French and the allies after the Treaty was issued is of uncharted levels, this gave the window of opportunity to such men as Hitler to unite the people under the consolidated hate against France and to use it as a driving force for the public to accept his views of European conquest. Daladier describes France to be the last refuge for liberty, “Every on of us is at his post, on the soil of France, on the land of liberty where respect of human dignity finds one of its last refuges.” This is also used as inspiration to unite and inspire the men and women fighting the enemy and preparing their psyche for what is to come. Conclusively, this document was used to prepare the men and women of France for the war that was about to reach them, however, it must be mentioned with great respect that the French leadership did not in any way try to spread any anti-German propaganda or lies about the German intent at this point of the war, especially not in this address to the people of France. The rules of engagement and treatment of prisoners issued in the “Joint Anglo-French Declaration & Agreement” are largely significant to the war and the treatment of the prisoners. This agreement was signed in September 1939 against Germany and as a result of the brutal aggression Germany showed towards Poland. Here it is mentioned that, “The Governments of the United Kingdom and France solemnly and publicly affirm their intention should a war be forced upon them to conduct hostilities with a firm desire to spare the civilian population and to preserve in every way possible these monuments of human achievement which are treasured in all civilized countries.” This declaration is interesting as at this point both nations realized that they would be unable to invade Germany as they were not prepared and armed well enough to do so, then what must be assessed is whether the two governments made this declaration against the aggressor out of fear for their own people and monuments or was this down to avoid the barbaric massacre of innocent civilians. The two allies also openly state that none of their forces will attack outside the mission or objective they have been given, “Bombardment by artillery on land will exclude objectives which have no strictly defined military importance, in particular large urban areas situated outside the battle zone. They will furthermore make every effort to avoid the destruction of localities or buildings which are of value to civilization.” This further reiterates the fact that they want to minimize civilian and innocent casualties. The two countries promised to treat the prisoners in accordance to the Geneva Convention “the two allied Governments, reaffirm their intention to abide by the terms of the Geneva Protocol of 1925 prohibiting the use in war of asphyxiating or poisonous or other gases and of bacteriological methods of warfare. An inquiry will be addressed to the German Government as to whether they are prepared to give an assurance to the same effect.” Later however, the allies finish the document by saying that if any of the rules set were disregarded by the Germans that they would act accordingly to punish those responsible and they themselves might abandon some of the rules that were broken. One of the most important documents to come from this time period and one that carries great significance and affects the events of the war and possible the outcome is arguably labeled, “The Letter That Changed the Course Of History” The letter is written by British Air Chief Marshal to Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the time. The Air Chief mentions to his Prime Minister, “I would remind the Air Council that the last estimate which they made as to the force necessary to defend this country...