Why World War II Matters - Victor Davis Hanson

The Hillsdale College History Department presents a special public lecture by Victor Davis Hanson.

Victor Davis Hanson is the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow in Residence in Classics and Military History at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, a professor of Classics Emeritus at California State University, Fresno, and a nationally syndicated columnist for Tribune Media Services. He is also the Wayne & Marcia Buske Distinguished Fellow in History, Hillsdale College, where he teaches each fall semester courses in military history and classical culture.

[arthur]

He never ceases to amaze me. No notes, just talk. Incredible.

[tagfanning]

Victor
I’m 75 and in my youth I worked on my family ranch in the Colorado high county.
No electricity no indoor plumbing and you worked big stock, critters that could and would hurt you, sometimes pretty bad and in all of natures variety of aspect from lighting thick thunderstorms to
bone chilling pushes through blizzards that never reached above - 20 Fahrenheit. But you always felt the season… the weather the yaw and pitch of the Earth, always marked the moon and you kept your powder dry for the unanticipated.
You were (and are) surrounded by Life and I think that gives a different perspective than a TV or X Box weaned kid gets in these “wonderful” modern times!
Thank you for your insights. I’m a fan.

[domingofernandez]

I have taken the courses offered by Hillsdale College in which Hanson was the teacher. No question in my mind that Mr. Hanson is the best mind at present in our nation. I have listened to him in radio and TV in the cable channels. I advise all of you that did not have the occasion to listen to this very intelligent man to listen to him. He is always spectacular and you always learn from him.

[MDJ-wbpn]

I could listen to Victor Davis Hanson all day on military history. Very smart educated man.

[kkesler]

I wish every high school in America would use this man to teach… Not teaching history in public schools has destroyed our nation

[wingabouts]

Enjoyed the lecture. Amazed to hear him speak with such knowledge, no notes, no teleprompter, just speaking from his heart/mind with passion. Well done! 👍

[lonnienichols]

I sat on the edge of my chair in front of my computer, hanging on every word... I've never been handed a better understanding presented for the cause and effect of WWII. Thank you Hillsdale for making this possible.

[nicholasmartiau]

Love listening to Victor David Hanson speak…he KNOWS history…he doesnt jury regurgitate something he’s read…greatest history teacher ever!

[marystrickrodt]

Of eight cousins in WWII, my dad was the only one remaining stateside. One died on the Bataan Death March, two fought in Europe, one in the Pacific, one flew B-17 bombing runs and two have so far eluded my search. For, of course, I've waited too long to find them. Woefully late, I'm trying to find their stories, these boys who grew up together, blissfully ignorant of the roles they would play, upon just reaching adulthood, in the saving of civilization, as we in the U.S. know it. Hampered by my lateness, I still feel a responsibility and need to write their stories. Thank God for Victor Davis Hanson. I have learned so much from him.

[davidswift]

Thank goodness for YouTube and my retirement ...now I can open my brain and knowledge to some incredibly brilliant information and understanding. Dr Hanson is about my age and he found another follower 👍 Pragmatic and insightful, thank you for the post !

[BUIKPAN]

My two oldest uncles both flew missions in WWII. The eldest was training 1500 pilots at a time at age 21 with already 3 yrs of service. He flew 66 missions and was shot down in NewGuinea and was helped back to his base by natives to fly again. He repaid the natives with red ribbon. The younger was shot down in Germany on 23rd mission and spent 18 mos in Moosberg POW camp with 100, 000 pows from 17 countries. He was saved in Spring of 1945

[sevencheong]

“The more you try to defer to someone when you have power, that you did not need to defer, the more you earn contempt for your magnaminity than appreciation.”

[nmr]

It's impossible not to learn something when you listen to Victor David Hanson.

[tag]

Every teacher/professor in the US (in the world for that matter) should be required to include lectures from this man. Liberals continue to ignore obvious history lessons.

[dirtcop]

My Dad was in the Marines in WWII. He fought on Okinawa and was in the 6th Division, 29th Regiment. He was in the area where Victor Hanson died. When I heard about his Uncle, I wondered if he and my Dad had ever met.

[Bobs_hitland]

My grandfather fought with Patton in the 3rd Army. Hearing his stories I have been facinated with WW2. Being a baby boomer I grew to respect the Greatest Generation era. What a lecture! I love America! Trump 2024!

[markbrower]

I have listened to hours of Victor, no one makes more sense of issues than him

[janet]

I’m so pleased I came across this wise, educated, brilliant, very interesting man who has huge knowledge. Respect to him. I look forward to and enjoy listening to him

[jimbo]

My grandfather joined the 32 Division, 126th Regiment in 1930. His reasons were to serve his country, and this during the Great Depression, and since he like to eat he could get free food. He quickly rose to a 2nd Lieutenant. He was an infantry instructor at Camp Grayling. He trained men that eventually fought in Leyte.

[miltonbates]

The lesson for Americans here: Never relinquish your first and second ammendment rights, under any circumstance.