“ To understand the Present, you need to know the Past. “
I believe that this statement is true. Our Children and Grandchildren need to know History to learn from mistakes.
Here are some of my example about British Government Blunders that have proved to be very costly.
Let me start in 1936, the Years of my birth.....
1936 - King Edward VIIII was the uncrowned King of England.
He wanted to marry an American Divorcee Wallis Simpson.
The Government felt that this was a Constitutional crisis.
Edward had to resign. This was a petty mistake.
Can you imagine today, if the Government told Prince Harry, “ You must resign your Princedom and HRH before you can marry Megan, an American Divorcee? “
1939 - Britain declared War on Germany after Hitler invaded Poland. Britain had a Treaty with Poland at the time.
Britain was totally unprepared for War. The British Government should have waited until they were better prepared.
Britain just about won The Battle of Britain in 1940. It was a cliff hanger. All because Britain was ill prepared.
1940 - Dunkirk was a tragedy and a defeat. The British Army was outnumbered and outflanked. Once again, Britain was ill prepared and had poor leadership.
1950 - The Korean War. Britain joined the UN forces to fight the Communism of the North.
Today, Korea is still divided. Can you call this a success? Was it worth so many lives ?
Was it worth Millions of lives ?
Vietnam War. A similar situation to the Korean War.
Millions died fighting Communism. The Americans feared “ The Domino Effect.” They thought Communism would spread to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore.
It did not. Today, under Communism, Vietnam is a peaceful, happy prosperous country. A Number 1 Holiday hotspot for Western Tourists.
What then was it all about ?
1975 - Britain joined the EEC - The European Economic Community after a Referendum.
Britain never voted for a European Union with a President, Foreign Secretary, Parliament, Civil Service Commission, Council of Ministers.
21st Century
So, we move into the current Century.
Iraq War - most people by now understand the false information that caused the War in Iraq. President Sadam might have been evil but at least he kept the country under control. The War cost many lives and the aftermath is still with us today.
War cannot solve all problems.
The Referendum about the future of the U.K. and EU.
This is the latest debacle. Where it will end, we have to see.
THE BIG LESSONS
WAR is the worst solution to disputes between Nations.
It is a very last resort.
If you do go to War, make sure you have the resources and Allies to Win.
Citizens - Beware of what you read in the Media. They tend to stoke up the worse attitudes. They seem to thrive on making you hate Nations, Political Parties, Politicians and in particular Communism such as China and Russia.
Be careful you do not fall for misinformation or False News.
Keep an open mind.
I hope my Grandchildren will Study History with a very critical eye. The Future is theirs.
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