""People who reiterate that war with Hitler was inevitable, even necessary, are missing my point that by the time Hitler invaded Poland it was way, way too late.

Negotiation based on the ultimate wellbeing of issue-driven conflicts, stigma earned by those who transgress, and sanctions imposed by a united voice. Something like the situation that Iraq was in prior to the invasion.

And that's all I have to say about that.""

Read "Mein Kampf", and you will see that Hitler had already decided his stategy for domination of Europe, and beyond. It is evident both directly, and by inference, that he had no intention of accepting any diplomatic solution.

He clearly foresaw that he would be able, little by little, to annexe territory, and that he could do so safely, as long as he didn't grab anything large enough to make going to war worthwhile for the other side.

He knew, however that war was inevitable, and was only surprised that the trigger was Britain keeping faith with Poland.

WWII was inevitable from the point where the British failed to kill the rotten little bastard in WWI.

Diplomacy only works if both sides are prepared to a) Talk, and b) compromise. Hitler was using it solely as a delaing tactic, until he was ready for war.

And that is precisely why Olddude is right. Soldiers will always be needed as long as there are acquisitive leaders, trying to annexe territory.

And soldiers should not be blamed for what their leaders decide, but only for any crimes they may commit while serving their compatriots.

Don T.