"The Fallen of WWII": What is your biggest takeaway after seeing this video?

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 12:24:28 -0400

The Fallen of World War II is a uniquely interactive documentary that examines the human cost of the second World War and the decline in battle deaths in the years since the war. This 15 minute data visualization provides a new perspective on the scale of conflict in recent years and really made me stop to think about the sheer size of war we may never see thanks to the greatest generation. I can't help but be saddened by this video, but also reminded that our freedom is here because of tremendous sacrifice from those who came before us. After watching this, what is your biggest takeaway and how do you see wars continuing to evolve during our lifetime?

The Fallen of World War 2

An animated data-driven documentary about war and peace, The Fallen of World War II looks at the human cost of the second World War and sizes up the numbers ...

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 16 at 2015 12:27 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 12:27:05 -0400

The important takeaway is the drop in deaths since WWII when the U.S. nuclear power defended the bulk of the civilized world from major wars.

This is now at risk since the U.S. has a policy of disengagement from the world, and the dictators are moving in to fill the vacuum we have left.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jun 16 at 2015 6:49 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 18:49:34 -0400

This is great work, data mining and presentation of the data. My biggest take away is that we have been insulated from a major global conflict for about 80 years. We kid ourselves into thinking all war will look like the more recent conflicts. They might but they might not.

Russia is on the move, China is getting aggressive and we are showing weakness. It is a recipe for disaster. The world is not prepared (not that anyone could be) for a war on WWII's scale.

WWII might have created a lot of lessons for global powers. The further we move away from the conflict the more likely it seems we will make the mistake again. Human nature I am afraid. Let's hope not. Readiness is the best deterrent.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 16 at 2015 11:08 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 23:08:59 -0400

That was awesome!!!! And, horrifying too. Thanks for sharing.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 16 at 2015 11:27 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 23:27:45 -0400

What I took away was that neither Hitler nor Stalin cared about their people.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 3:53 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 15:53:29 -0400

Capt Charters - My takeaway is so much promise lost. We saw the impact on society when this generation came back from war and applied their organizational skills to social problems. Would they have done so without the crucible of WWII? I don't know, but I can't help but think about the raw potential lost among the fallen. /R, Huck

Response by FN Mike McCormack made Sep 27 at 2015 2:23 PM

FN Mike McCormack — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 14:23:32 -0400

The loss of life was incredible! What did I take away from that...? Two things - the cost of freedom is high and mankind is cruel.