Armistice Day

Growing up in Europe we know today as Armistice Day, the day of the end of the First World War, The Great War, The War to End All Wars.  Too bad we do not remember that it was just that - the war to end all wars. 

Of course, it could not end all wars with the ludicrous conditions forced upon Germany by the treaty to end the war.  First we will strip Germany of its coal reserves and give them back to France, whom had taken them in the Franco-Prussian War.  Then we will give the lands with the iron and gold reserves to Poland and Czechoslovakia.  Next, fine Germany billions of dollars and demand payment only in gold.  Yeah, exactly where was that to come from?  Oh, yeah, they have to buy gold on the open market, mostly from the USA, and then give it back in payment form.

Woodrow Wilson was nothing if not conniving, but stupid also fits the bill as well.  Germany inflated the mark, allowing for reduced payments to the USA; which helped to fuel an economic collapse in the USA; but it backfired and collapsed what was left of the German economy - allowing for a smooth talker named Adolf Hitler to step into power with promises of restoring Germany's glory.  The rest is history.

Of course, in Europe this war is also known as the battle of Victoria's brats.  Yeah, everyone of the countries starting this war were relatives of Queen Victoria.  From the Kaiser to the Czar, they never got along in life and even worse when it came to politics.  Bet you did not learn any of that in our politically correct school system.

But none of this should fade the memory of the thousands whom lost their lives on all sides of this conflicts.  I grew up with many an old soldier, from opposing sides in that war.  None of them considered war to have a victory, everyone came out losers.....