Interesting Look at Neville Chamberlain

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Interesting Look at Neville Chamberlain - 4/17/2014 8:33:09 PM

dcnovice

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With his furled umbrella, flights to Munich, "piece of paper" bearing his and Hitler's signatures, and hope for "peace in our time," Neville Chamberlain has become an icon of folly and naivete. Idling on YouTube, though, I chanced across a fascinating BBC documentary that offers a more nuanced portrayal. I enjoyed it and thought others might as well.

A few things particularly struck me:

-- Hitler not only coveted territory, but he yearned for the glory of war. So there was probably nothing Chamberlain could have done to win true peace.

-- Hitler said during one of their meetings that Chamberlain was the only man to whom he'd ever conceded anything.

-- Chamberlain was lionized in London--and Berlin.

-- One of the factors driving Chamberlain's bid for peace was the British military's fear (premature but ultimately accurate) of German air strikes on London.

-- And I couldn't help feeling a bit of kinship with the old boy when I learned he was a fellow colorectal cancer patient.

Happy viewing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFlsYffrTF0

One request: I deliberately placed this in OT rather than P&R in the hope--Chamberlainesque, I'm sure--of drawing thoughtful feedback rather than the usual partisan sniping. Hey, a guy can dream.

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RE: Interesting Look at Neville Chamberlain - 4/17/2014 8:51:37 PM

Dvr22999874

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He also fought on the western front in WW 1 (3rd Ypres I think) and was decorated and if he saw that shit fight, I can understand him not wanting to see it again. I still don't like him but I can understand him a little better.

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RE: Interesting Look at Neville Chamberlain - 4/17/2014 9:44:16 PM

DesFIP

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I've heard it theorized that if he hadn't of delayed the onset of war, then England would not have been as prepared when it came.

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RE: Interesting Look at Neville Chamberlain - 4/17/2014 9:50:18 PM

Dvr22999874

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The air-force certainly wasn't prepared and even when war WAS declared, they only JUST managed to get through the Battle of Britain because Hitler and Goering changed tactics. So yes, maybe the delay WAS deliberate. He will still be always be thought of as 'The Great Appeaser' though I think.

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RE: Interesting Look at Neville Chamberlain - 4/17/2014 10:00:23 PM

dcnovice

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DesFIP

I've heard it theorized that if he hadn't of delayed the onset of war, then England would not have been as prepared when it came.

That's one of the points explored in the film. The historian-narrator says the delay gave both countries time to arm themselves.

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No matter how cynical you become,
it's never enough to keep up.

JANE WAGNER, THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF
INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

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