Killing Patton

The older “Great Man” theory of history has been replaced by a more nuanced understanding—that socio-economic and ideological forces are more important than personalities in determining the course of history. Why do some figures in this book subscribe to the older version of history? How well does it explain their prominence?

Patton believed there was a role for individual valor in warfare. As war becomes more mechanized, how is valor expressed? Have military ideals shifted over time?

How did the development of the atomic bomb contribute to the emergence of the Cold War between the United States and Soviet Union?

“Operation Watch on the Rhine” intended to replicate an earlier success, but failed because of weather and planning shortsightedness. Research other strategies that copied previous victories—are they always doomed to failure, or are there tactics that hold up on repeat use?

Why was Patton so eager for war with the USSR after 1945? Did he rightly foresee that country as an adversary, or did he approach every problem assuming military conflict was the solution? Use textual evidence in your answer.

Western Allies pled ignorance about the German genocide of six million Jews. Given the availability of information about the horrors inflicted on that population by Nazis, why did the Allies not intervene sooner? Discuss the role of anti-Semitism on the actions of the war’s “good guys.”

What distinguishes a “conspiracy theory” from “real” history? How does historical research find and use evidence? What tactics do conspiracy theories use to avoid having to do the work of finding evidence?

FDR wanted his successor to be Truman, in theory because Truman’s moderate views would calm the country after WWII. Instead, Truman’s anti-communist monomania catapulted the US into a prolonged Cold War and a series of damaging proxy wars. Would a less “moderate” Vice President been a better choice for FDR? Why or why not?