Mao: How Bad was Bad?

[The Minsky Moment]

In 1940 Western Europe combined would be higher than the US, yes.

[Razgovory]

In 1940 Western Europe combined would be higher than the US, yes.

January or December?  Cause a lot of Western Europe came under new ownership that year.

[Queequeg]

My point was that in August 1939 Germany's belief that they had the human and industrial capacity to take Europe wasn't unrealistic. They came really close. If they'd just been Bonapartist jerks rather than genocide-happy maniacs they might have done it.

[The Minsky Moment]

The figure for Western Europe includes the UK; take out the UK and it's about even for 1940.  Add the UK to the US and Canada and there is a big gap again.

[The Minsky Moment]

My point was that in August 1939 Germany's belief that they had the human and industrial capacity to take Europe wasn't unrealistic. They came really close. If they'd just been Bonapartist jerks rather than genocide-happy maniacs they might have done it.

You should read the Adam Tooze book if you haven't already.
I think it's more accurate to say that by 1937 the German economic model was unsustainable absent successful conquests, peaceful or otherwise.

[dps]

My point was that in August 1939 Germany's belief that they had the human and industrial capacity to take Europe wasn't unrealistic.

We understand that that was your point.  We also understand that you are incorrect.

[Tonitrus]

Their most positive contribution probably was prior to gaining full control in 1949. And the one-child policy isn't as bad as some seem to think.

The One Child Policy should be the law of Earth.

Of all the people on the forum, I would not have thought you'd be in favor of the infanticide of Asian girls. 

[Monoriu]

We need more humans on Earth.  Many billions more. 

[Josquius]

We need more humans on Earth.  Many billions more. 

No thanks.
Maybe a billion less than current numbers. But better distributed.

[Baron von Schtinkenbutt]

You should read the Adam Tooze book if you haven't already.
I think it's more accurate to say that by 1937 the German economic model was unsustainable absent successful conquests, peaceful or otherwise.

That makes sense.  By 1937 Hitler was well on his path towards "Greater Germany".  Supercharging the economy in anticipation of the expansion was only logical.

It's what any half-decent HOI player does.