what do the german and japanese history books say about america

Well you would think they are pro-American, since the West ran W.Germany, Maybe E.German literature told a differing story.

Same with the Japanese, US turned it into a colony.

Originally posted by faint1993

Originally posted by Azadok

Originally posted by faint1993
I've read that Japan teaches their students a different history than what is truth. You can read about it HERE.

Of course, very few of us know what ACTUALLY happened, so we don't know if the Japanese textbooks or the American textbooks are more accurate.

So are you saying that American history is a lie ? Because it sure seems that way . There is plenty of eye witness testimony about the war both on a personal level and overall war picture . My dad fought on both ww ll and Korea as did most of my friends fathers. I believe that what is portrayed in the books is accurate . Try watching the history channel you might learn something .

Whoa whoa whoa, relax. I'm not suggesting that American history is a lie. All I'm saying is that it is ignorant to accuse another nation of lying in their textbooks without looking at our own, considering none of us were there. I'm sure it's all very accurate, but there's still a chance that it's not. I'm an open-minded person and I will probably never accept that something is 100% true unless I've seen it myself. As far as I'm concerned, American History is probably 95% true.

Not trying to offend anyone in any way.

The sad truth is war is bloody hell. The US carpet bombed and fire bombed Japanese cities killing more than the atomic bomb did in some instances.

US Fire bombing in Japan

In its attacks on Japan the USAAF abandoned its policy of precision bombing, and used a mix of incendiaries and high explosives to burn Japanese cities to the ground. These tactics were used to devastating effect with many urban areas burned out. The first raid using low-flying B-29 Superfortress bombers carrying incendiary bombs to drop on Tokyo was on the night of 24/25 February 1945 when 174 B-29s destroyed around fifty square mile (150 km²) of the city. Changing their tactics to expand the coverage and increase the damage, 279 B-29s raided on the night of 9/10 March, dropping around 1,700 tons of bombs. Approximately 16 square miles (41 km²) of the city were destroyed and some 100,000 people are estimated to have died in the resulting firestorm, more than the immediate deaths of either the Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan atomic bombings.[7]

Since my school experience in Germany is still relatively fresh I'm going to chime in. As some have already said here, the main focus was to teach us to be ashamed of our past and feel guilty. The Americans were obviously the good guys who liberated us (just for the record, I'm very pro-American, even though I disagree with a lot of the current foreign policy).

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for honoring the past and making sure we don't repeat it, but it's the guilt part that always troubled me. Maybe it's an egotistical approach, but I always figured 'Why should I feel guilty for something that happened 40+ years before I was even born?'
To this day, occasionally I still have to deal with resentment merely due to the fact that I'm German, especially in neighboring countries like the Netherlands. It's not as bad as it used to be, but whenever you encounter that, it still sucks.

Originally posted by Azadok

Originally posted by faint1993
I've read that Japan teaches their students a different history than what is truth. You can read about it HERE.

Of course, very few of us know what ACTUALLY happened, so we don't know if the Japanese textbooks or the American textbooks are more accurate.

So are you saying that American history is a lie ? Because it sure seems that way . There is plenty of eye witness testimony about the war both on a personal level and overall war picture . My dad fought on both ww ll and Korea as did most of my friends fathers. I believe that what is portrayed in the books is accurate . Try watching the history channel you might learn something .

My goodness. Do you really believe there are no lies in the official version of American History? You and Polyanna could be soul mates!

Ever speak to someone who served in Viet Nam? If so, do you believe the official version of the Viet Nam war was the truth?

Ever speak to a Palestinian who has lived and breathed what the people in the West Bank experience on a daily basis? If so, do you believe official sanitized version of what the U.S.'s prime "ally" Israel is doing to those people?

A good portion of American History is a distortion and some is an outright lie. Some of the distortions and lies are slowly neing exposed as the populace gradually becomes more aware of the truth.

A prime example of this trend are the false portrayals of the North American Indian tribes as savages and the U.S. military as nothing but good guys as the U.S. military was happliy carrying out its policy of genocide against the Indians, even the elderly, women, and small children. I was shocked when I learned about that through independent research when I was 12 in the early 1960s. The feeling was similar to a child hearing its parents talk about getting divorced or that you were raised by adoptive parents because your real parents were mass murderers. The indoctrinating propaganda was very effective.

reply to post by dubiousone


Pretty much the same thing I felt learning about what happened after the bombs dropped around the ground zeroes. I believe that it was greatly minimized as is the "Gulf of Tonkin Incident", among other milestones in our more modern history. Hell, we never really went into the Korean War, ffs. Certainly never learned about the CIA coup of Iran either, as that would've given my generation too much perspective into current situations.

reply to post by Arrowmancer


There appears to have been a much earlier film based on this story... video.google.com...

Also here's a Wikipedia article on the actual story this is all based on.... en.wikipedia.org...

Talking about Germany you must have in mind, that there were two countries under different influences for some decades. This is why one poster could not remember anything about the USA in his history book but a lot about Russia. He obviously grew up in Eastern Germany, which was the Russian's puppet.

As a West German I had to learn this part of our history - 1933 to 1945 - again and again. The end of the war was called "liberation" and the USA were the heroes. Every criticism against the USA was stamped as "Anti-Americanism", which was a very bad thing, nearly as bad as "communist".

Indeed it is somehow like the original sin. They were so busy telling us about this chapter of our history, that I had to do a lot of reading and research to learn something about the other 2000 years.

reply to post by KAIARAHI


These types of responses with "sheeple", "puppet masters" allude simply to LACK of ability to respond with a valid point or with any informative information at all. I wish these silly responses would be deleted by the mods...

The question or thread is a really good one, I will continue and read and respond only if I have something to contribute...sorry for derailing the thread a bit.

Sniper

reply to post by dubiousone


So you offer insult (in a nice way, congrats) yet add nothing of any value to the question in the thread...? Have you spoken to any Palestinians...in Palestine lately...? Why not post counter information or links to opposing opinions regarding what is written...? Post anything with some proof that what we read is wrong, and I am not disagreeing with you that it could be false or written a certain way but come on you offer nothing intellectual to support your view...

If your going to discredit someone's view maybe just maybe you should have something to back up your reasoning...seems somewhat logical...no..?

Arrgghhh, so much crap and negativity on ATS these days...

I have to head out to my observation post...

Sniper from the mineral rich mountains of "cough cough"...

I don't know much about whats thought in either country, but China and Japan had a bit of a spat a few years ago over how history is thought in Japanese schools, playing down Japans atrocities. There were even protests if I remember correctly. As for Germany, they're only starting to emerge from the shadow of Nazism and re-assert themselves on the world stage from what I can see, and as far as I know its taught as a shameful part of their history.

Originally posted by jude11

Originally posted by faint1993
I've read that Japan teaches their students a different history than what is truth. You can read about it HERE.

Of course, very few of us know what ACTUALLY happened, so we don't know if the Japanese textbooks or the American textbooks are more accurate.

The "truth" is always written by the winners. Everything else is destroyed and watered down so I am always going to go with the losers to tell the real story from the ground.

Peace

And you trust the losers would tell the truth?

Why is that?

As far as the OP, WW2 is an open and shut case so there is not really much of an alternative view that can be taken seriously.

I never agreed with "history is written by the winners" either. Too many people more than willing to wait for memories to fade enough to start telling tales. Too often they do this mainly for money.

War histories usually become more accurate over the ages as the direct participants and their descendants die off. Look at all the controversy around the relatively recent 911 \\\"attack\\\". What will the history books have to say about that in 1000 years? A lot of people don\\\'t even know that the world trade center towers were designed by a Japanese architect and built with major structural components from Japan. The majority of the world population currently believe the towers were brought down in a terrorist attack.

Could there ever be a revisionist history correction concerning an important historical event like the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Here's a little clip that shows what Russians (may have) used I just ripped from K-19.

BE SCARED.. BE VERY SCARED!
Those mean old Americans wear hoods and burn crosses...

reply to post by ShadowAngel85

I, like ninjas4321, a previous comment-er,...find it impressive to see the young seeking knowledge of this topic. I hope you find the info you request. I will probably do the same although i believe that the law in Germany forbids teaching the NAZI perspective to their youth. In fact, Germany has zero-tolerance for NAZI and/or NEO-NAZI organizations. Although one may argue that this may be the result of Allied Intervention in post-war Germany, it should be noted that the German's to a large extent abhor the NAZI's criminal behavior.

To approach this topic, be aware of the fact that there is enough material to research in at least five lifetimes. Please don't feel overwhelmed because the subject is fascinating and well worth the time. However, be aware that there is a large element of "Deniers, History Re-writers and Malcontents" who wish to pollute historic fact. I noticed comments in this thread suggesting much is "propaganda" as a means to alleviate the NAZI's guilt in their Crimes to Humanity.

Hitler and his minions used every crime known to man to maintain control of a killing machine so vast in it's reach to annihilate "undesirables." Civilian men, women, children, Jews, Jehovah Witnesses, Gypsies, Homosexuals, Intellectuals,Christians,Criminals,Communists,Socialists, the mentally deficient and anyone who opposed the NAZI's was marked for death.This all was done in some weird belief that the Aryan race is superior and thus is destined to rule the world with an Iron Hand. Their use of fraud, extortion, blackmail, aggression and murder to topple legitimate governments in surrounding nations to lay claim and steal anything of worth. Their criminal aspirations was backed by naked aggression and their exploits was aided by collaborator criminals of every stripe known in Europe. Even Priests of the Catholic Church was involved in aiding many of these NAZI criminals to escape capture and flee to South America.

These are the facts that cannot be altered. Anyone who suggests otherwise are as i stated earlier. Although the NAZI's have proven mastery of the art of genocide in recent times, they are not the only ones. Stalin of Russia, Mao of China and Pol Pot of Cambodia has killed millions as well. The NAZI's however, brought "Assembly Line" efficiency to a level that would impress Henry Ford. Keep this in mind as you research WW-II. I recommend a book titled "The Forth Reich" by Jim Marrs if you wish to see that we may have defeated Germany, but not necessarily the NAZI's. He discloses how they, using ill gotten gain, has used their influence and riches to get a foot into global enterprises. And how this has played into the current NWO.

This is just the peak of the ice burg. If you are intrigued i suggest that you use the local library as a source. Also. the internet is a gold mine once you know what you are looking for....good luck.

Originally posted by Bakatono
I lived in Germany until recently and let me tell you, no one is harder on the Germans about their history than the Germans themselves. They teach and teach and teach how horrible the Nazi's were and they study and study and study how they ended up there. They keep the camps in tact so people can go to them and remember what can never happen again.

Though it isn't a bad idea to keep those camps as a reminder of those evil times.

The best examples for how much we're in Germany have a problem with our past can be found in how we handle music, movies and other cultural media.
Outside from documentaries and movies (from Indiana Jones to Shindler's List they don't get banned or censored as they are considered 'art' and there it is ok to show the nazi stuff)
- For example KISS the band got into huge troubles in the early 80's because their logo has the 2 S that resemble the SS runes a bit too much. So the news media started to ask if the band are actually right wing or neo nazis (makes a lot of sense with 2 jews in the band), they were forced to create a new logo solely for the german market
- Video games containing Nazi logos get banned, completely banned, it's not allowed to trade or buy those games in Germany. Games like Wolfenstein, the old Call of Duty or Medal of Honor games, we get censored versions were all those signs are taken out. It also has an effect on international developers. Lucas Arts wanted to create a sequel to their classic game "Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis" that had a story about Nazis in Bolivia and the ressurection of Hitler. Realising, that this story would contain a lot of Nazis and their signs and that would never go over here in Germany (back then one of the biggest markets for Adventure games) they just canceled the game completely (the story was later in the US released as a comic book)
- I personally had two very negative experiences. One included me wearing a "Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" T-Shirt (the album title contains the Sig-Rune, that was used by the SS) and a cop stopping me asking me about the shirt, if i'm a neo nazi and saying that i shouldn't wear that in public. The second was after buying the book "The Man in the High Castle" from Philip K. Dick (great book), the cover shows the US flag, instead of the stars there are Swastikas, i waited at the bus stop, reading the book and i got a lot of weird looks from the people around me

What happened back then was horrible of course, but it wasn't my fault, it wasn't the fault of my parents and not even of my grandparents who were little children at the end of the war. Even after 3 generations, we can't close the chapter, it will haunt us forever. And after going through school, visiting the camps, learning all the propaganda, you really feel like you belong to the worst and most despicable group of humans on this planet.

reply to post by purplemer


I (in Australia) was told that the Japanese had surrendered and were signing the papers when they dropped the bomb and that is why old diggers call Americans (mostly their government) 'bloady war mongers',they say there was no need to kill a city full of innocent woman and children cos the war was already over.I heard this said many times from old diggers themselves,(now deceased,I might add)

Originally posted by marinesniper0317These types of responses with "sheeple", "puppet masters" allude simply to LACK of ability to respond with a valid point or with any informative information at all. I wish these silly responses would be deleted by the mods.

What? This is a great question and very good discussion about World War 2 History.

You can keep on "wishing" all you like. This is a discussion forum, and if your stalinist ideals are not executed to your likings here, Maybe you need to find yourself some Bolshevik Revolution like website to post in where you can decide what opinions are given, and those that are not and those that should be outlawed?

You seem to have a serious issue with the phrases "sheeple" and "puppet masters" eh? Well tell me my friend, why are you so sensitive about phrases that describe the truth about what is going on? If you have an answer worth listening to, then please provide it for us all. This is ATS, and you better learn to accept those sayings. If not, then take a walk.

The question or thread is a really good one, I will continue and read and respond only if I have something to contribute...sorry for derailing the thread a bit. Sniper

Of course it is a good one. Well, atleast as long as the responses fit your idea of what they should be, am I wrong about that? Yes, You did derail this thread with your nonsense. This just in though! = Nobody really cares if you FEEL THE NEED to respond or not. Get over yourself Mr. so-called Marine Sniper fraud. You're not a Marine Sniper. If you claim that you really are, I got what should be a few very simple questions for yuh. You're not a Marine though, let alone a Marine Sniper. You're a Liar and I am here to call you out on it. ~SheopleNation

Originally posted by marinesniper0317
reply to post by dubiousone

 

So you offer insult (in a nice way, congrats) yet add nothing of any value to the question in the thread...? Have you spoken to any Palestinians...in Palestine lately...? Why not post counter information or links to opposing opinions regarding what is written...? Post anything with some proof that what we read is wrong, and I am not disagreeing with you that it could be false or written a certain way but come on you offer nothing intellectual to support your view...

If your going to discredit someone's view maybe just maybe you should have something to back up your reasoning...seems somewhat logical...no..?

Arrgghhh, so much crap and negativity on ATS these days...

I have to head out to my observation post...

Sniper from the mineral rich mountains of "cough cough"...

I wasn't intending to insult or discredit your point of view, though I now see that you think doing so was my point. It wasn't.

Your statement was so facially absurd that it takes nothing to discredit it. It discredits itself. Your hypersensitive reaction and sense of being offended confirms that even you recognize this to be so.

I was speaking from personal friendship with a young woman from the West Bank who went back frequently and documented in film what was occurring there. It isn't necessary, as you seem to think, to personally go to Palestine to speak to a Palestinian.

I have known a number of young men who soldiered in Vietnam and returned with deep psychological scars and stories almost too horribble to believe. Some committed suicide because they could not live with the memory of what they experienced over there.

I don't need to post "counter-information" or links to other threads, sites, articles, and videos in order for what I said to be valid. Why don't you do your own research on the issue instead of posting insupportable assertions. It wouldn't take but a moment to confirm the truth of what I said. Remember, the point was that history as taught to Americans has often been and likely continues to be distorted by our government and media. It is agenda driven. After all, smooth functioning of the system can't bear having too many citizens getting upset and openly disagreeing with what those pulling the strings are doing here and abroad.

By the way, I am from Germany, was born there shortly after WWII, and grew up surrounded by Germans who lived through that era even after my family immigrated to the U.S. Those people lived with the emotional and psychological scars of that time until they died not much differently than so many others who lived through that time.

Originally posted by ninjas4321
in my history class we just got done with studing world war 2 and i was wondering what do the german history books say about the war does it condone natzi germay or tell a diffrent story?

It's funny that you ask, but i simply take it you have never been in Germany/Europe?

Germans have been (and are) fed the Nazi guilt basically since the end of WWII, the "guilt" and the negative view of their own history in Germany is EXTREME. It goes so far that it is looked upon very negatively to be "proud" to be German since any such idea is usually always associated with NAZIsm and right extremism.

(In other words: If someone says he is proud to be a german, waving a flag etc. you can bet there is a bunch of people assuming they must be Nazis)

In Germany , displaying NAZI symbols etc. are forbidden by law and you can go in jail for things you can do in other countries. Germany, although there might be the occasional "outbreaks" of right extremism (such people live in any country) etc. overall is VERY liberal, anti-NAZI, anti-right...and you would have it VERY difficult here as a NAZI, much, much more difficult as in any other country. This is why i am always baffled seeing old people from other countries associating Germany with NAZIs since Germany (at this point) is probably the biggest "ANTI NAZI" country you can even imagine.

On a side-note...i thought the NAZI/WWII obsession in the states "cute" because there was no single day where you couldn't and can't watch a show about WWII on the history channel...i also had the impressions that many Americans in some odd way were "fascinated" by all that WWII etc. history..while it has a very negative stigma here.

Originally posted by LedaOhio
Here's a little clip that shows what Russians (may have) used I just ripped from K-19.

BE SCARED.. BE VERY SCARED!
Those mean old Americans wear hoods and burn crosses...

edit on 11-3-2012 by LedaOhio because: (no reason given)

Those scenes from K-19 speak volumes even today. Yet many and perhaps the majority of Americans at the time favored what the "authorities" did as shown in those scenes.