Some guy named Timur killed maybe 17 million people(5% of the world's population), making him the second biggest murderer in history behind Genghis. The Thirty Years War saw maybe 25-40% of Germany's population die, making it one of the most brutal wars in history. I don't recall hearing much about either in the history books. How much time passes before World War 2 starts getting ignored the way ancient conflicts do today?
World War 2
- Thread starter rainforests1
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Well, Timur* lived about six hundred years ago, and the Thirty Years War was about four hundred years ago, while WWII occurred within the lifetimes of some of us, so that should answer your question.
Also, you shouldn't assume that simply because you haven't been aware of some item of history, the rest of us have been similarly unaware. For instance, the Thirty Years War is very significant in German history.
*The figures given for deaths resulting from Timur's wars (and also Genghis') include all of the collateral deaths from famine, disease, etc., which effects were much more widespread and long term than they tend to be in modern times. No air drops of food and medicines to affected regions in those days, not even to mention no modern meds in those days.
Also, you shouldn't assume that simply because you haven't been aware of some item of history, the rest of us have been similarly unaware. For instance, the Thirty Years War is very significant in German history.
*The figures given for deaths resulting from Timur's wars (and also Genghis') include all of the collateral deaths from famine, disease, etc., which effects were much more widespread and long term than they tend to be in modern times. No air drops of food and medicines to affected regions in those days, not even to mention no modern meds in those days.
beancounter
The Fire That Burns Within
I agree with Mischief. WWII occured in the modern era. In addition to the many people who are still alive from that time, we have tons of picturs and audio and numerous written accounts. In addition, it was the last Word war.
Spang
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beancounter
The Fire That Burns Within
RF1, IMO, when you're talking about large scale death and destruction, the exact number of who killed how many doesn't matter. What matters is learning the lessons of history, so that it won't happen again.
Spang
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yakherder
老外
Or learning that it will happen again, often, regardless of what you do, and being prepared for that probability. To me, irrationality is looking at history and then planning to make it all the way to old age. Sorry for my pessimism 
beancounter
The Fire That Burns Within
Technology was supposed to be vastly inferior hundreds of years ago. I would think that would make it harder to kill people rather than easier. Hollywood won't continue to produce World War 2 films forever. The media at some point will have a hard time finding ways to bring it up over and over again like they do today. By 2100 I expect it will be brought up very rarely. By 2300 most people will see it as just another very bad war and nothing more.
yakherder
老外
Then, what exactly are the lessons we have learnt? Not a lot, it appears.
It seems that as long as humans are divided in groups by borders, there will naturally be conflicts between those groups.
I'm not a huge fan of the EU, but it does seem like the EU project has at least helped lessen the conflict level in Europe for a while. (The current financial downturn / crisis may pave the way for fascism yet again, though.)
beancounter
The Fire That Burns Within
Slow learning is still better than outright denial or simply ignoring the problem.
But if not learning, then what would be the alternative solution?
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