[fortheDeclaration]

Britain did begin rearming, but only because Germany threw out the Treaty of Versailles and began rearming at even a greater rate.

When the war began, the Allies were in a weaker State because Germany has annexed both Austria and Czechoslovakia, which had a fine army.

Why the attempt to rescue Chamberlain from the infamy he so justly deserves?

[naturalman1975]

Because as a military historian, I don’t believe he deserves it.

And, frankly, I always find it amusing that Americans are so quick to criticise him when they come from a nation that did its level best to avoid getting involved in combat in either World War despite clearly deciding near the start of both wars which side they supported.

Apparently it’s a virtue for Americans to avoid major wars until there’s no choice, but not for anyone else to do it. I think it’s a virtue for all.

I believe you fight when you have to - and I spent over twenty years in uniform and went to war myself when my country called - but you don’t fight a war you’re not ready to fight unless you have absolutely no choice.

Si vis pacem, para bellum - but give peace a chance.