World War II History Reference

March 13, 2009 7:03 AM

"With Germany arming at breakneck speed, England lost in a pacifist dream, France corrupt and torn by dissension, America remote and indifferent... do you not tremble for your children?" ― Winston Churchill, 1935. The World War II Database connects people, events, photographs, and other elements of history in relational db form to tell the story of the 20th century's 2nd great war.
posted by netbros (13 comments total)

WWII as online MPG, from a previous thread.
posted by Meatbomb at 7:06 AM on March 13

Great quote. Many people saw war coming, the period 1914-1945 was really a single long conflict, the "second thirty years war" - sort of like our current financial crisis, it's been seen coming, seen continuing, the "only" question is how it will play out exactly.
posted by stbalbach at 7:27 AM on March 13

Anyone else having issues with images not loading on the WWIIdb website? It sounds like a great resource, but with no pics loading, it's kind of worthless to me.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:40 AM on March 13

I am strongly in favor of using poisoned gas against uncivilized tribes.

A great man.
posted by Ironmouth at 9:33 AM on March 13

I am strongly in favor of using poisoned gas against uncivilized tribes.

A great man.
posted by Ironmouth at 5:33 PM on March 13 [+] [!]

Nothing like context, is there? He was referring to tear gas. Making blithe jibes at the expense of the holocaust is somewhat crass.
posted by metaxa at 11:22 AM on March 13 [1 favorite has favorites]

Nothing like context, is there? He was referring to tear gas. Making blithe jibes at the expense of the holocaust is somewhat crass.

The only person bringing the Holocaust into this is you.

Gas warfare, tear gas or not, is prohibited under the Geneva convention for good reason. I find Churchill's take on the matter detestable. Perhaps you think it is fine.
posted by Ironmouth at 2:07 PM on March 13

Great reference, thanks for posting.
posted by vito90 at 3:45 PM on March 13

Gas warfare, tear gas or not, is prohibited under the Geneva convention for good reason

I'm finding mixed reports on whether tear gas is prohibited in warfare (as opposed to say, the streets of Chicago). Some say yes, some no. I have no dog in the fight, but would be interested in those who can give some solid footnotes. THanks in advance.
posted by IndigoJones at 5:24 PM on March 13

Ah, back when people were mad at the US for NOT involving ourselves in world conflicts. Nostalgic.
posted by wildcrdj at 5:35 PM on March 13

Unexpectedly, I happened to find the transcript of a really interesting discussion from the 70s in the House of Lords about whether or not CS gas is covered under the Geneva Conventions. Check it out.
posted by feloniousmonk at 5:56 PM on March 13

Gas warfare, tear gas or not, is prohibited under the Geneva convention for good reason.

Of course, if you failed to wear your assigned uniform to the war, the Geneva convention no longer applies to you.

Kids: always remember your uniform!
posted by b1tr0t at 11:03 PM on March 13

(Thank you, felonious.)
posted by IndigoJones at 7:31 AM on March 14

I have to teach one of my first lessons to some ninth graders in a few weeks about WWII. I was looking for something exactly like this. Thank you.
posted by lilac girl at 8:01 PM on March 14