The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: World War II Was a Noble Cause — Anything Else Is Ahistorical
Oct 13, 2025
The discussion delves into contemporary conservative revisionism regarding World War II. Victor Davis Hanson tackles peculiar claims, such as the idea that the U.S. oil embargo coerced Japan into attacking Pearl Harbor. He argues against the notion that Admiral Yamamoto was a peacenik, asserting he was a dedicated militarist. Moreover, the validity of Hitler's peace offers is questioned, emphasizing that combating fascism was a noble cause and an essential endeavor for the U.S. during that era.
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Defend WWII As A Noble Cause
- World War II should be seen as a noble cause to defeat fascism and Nazism.
- Revising that consensus now risks ahistorical distortions driven by conspiracy and fake news.
Oil Embargo In Context Of Japanese Aggression
- The U.S. oil embargo on Japan occurred after Japanese aggression in China and aimed to limit further expansion.
- Japan saw European colonial holdings as vulnerable and moved to seize resources, seeing the embargo as one pressure among many.
Yamamoto As Deliberate Aggressor
- Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto was not a reluctant peacemaker but an aggressive planner who insisted on attacking Pearl Harbor.
- He trained and simulated the attack and threatened to resign if denied the operation.