Ted

Before our studying of World War II, I thought that I knew all about World War II, but now I know that I knew pretty much nothing about World War II, compared to what I know now. I thought that the whole cause of World War II was the Holocaust, and I bet most people think that today, but the main cause was the Treaty of Versailles. I had no idea that World War I had any connection to World War II at all, but the ending of World War I was the main cause of World War II. Most people think World War II was just the Allies wanting to put an end to the Holocaust and the Axis just defending themselves, but there is so much more than that, it’s unbelievable. World War II didn’t only affect people in its time, it has had a major impact on the history of many countries, negatively and positively. We have learned a lot from World War II, and should never forget what when back then.

I now know how war can tear lives apart, and make people miserable. I have learned how nasty and unpleasant war is, Most young boys see war as being glamorous, where the good guys shoot the bad guys and everything is over. I know there is always wars happening, it’s the way male hormones work I guess. But I can help try to stop wars and be peaceful.

Towards the beginning of our study we looked at Adolf Hitler’s life in detail. I can see why he turned out evil. He was so down on himself he didn’t really care anymore how he acted. It’s kind of sad because if he would have been a successful artist, or succeeded in anything there would have been no one to lead the Nazis or take control of Germany to lead them in the wrong direction. Hitler loved getting away from life and into war. He was in World War I and loved it so much he wasn’t afraid of starting World War II. He was one of those children who saw war as being glamorous. If he could have studied a war like I have there might not have been a World War II, and maybe when I am older I will prevent World War III. I can see how much trouble one person can cause in the world.

I learned a lot from my veteran that I interviewed. I now can see how terrible it must have been to be in war. He really taught me a lot of very good lessons. Some of the lessons were not wasting food and water because it is so precious in other places, war is terrible, and how society is changing. I have to admit I used to sort of see war as being glamorous because of movies. I can’t see war this way anymore which is probably a good thing because Hitler loved war.

This studying definitely affected my world view. I can see both sides of persecution now. I feel sorry for people that could be like Hitler. It has affected me in little ways too. I think when I am mad at someone at don’t tease them. I try to help people who are down on themselves, like Hitler was.

We are losing the stories of many World War II veterans today, and the purpose of this website is to keep these fascinating stories alive.