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In the Pacific War in the 1940s, the US was able to build replacements for its ships that were sunk, but Japan wasn't. Japan started the war with about 3 times
by simonblack 3y ago
In the Pacific War in the 1940s, the US was able to build replacements for its ships that were sunk, but Japan wasn't. Japan started the war with about 3 times the number of carriers than the US had, but soon ran out of carriers (and other ships). The US meanwhile had the manufacturing capacity to replace its lost ships and build extras.
In today's world, China has the manufacturing capacity to outbuild and replace lost ships and the US hasn't.
The US should not repeat Japan's mistake of starting a war that it doesn't have the capacity to win. But it seems it will. History always repeats.
EDIT: Downvoted rapidly. Seems Americans just can't let go of that 'We're Exceptional!' mindset. Actually, that's a very good thing.
- jfengel 3y agoThat was nearly a century ago. Warfare has changed a lot. Learning lessons is good, but not to the point of preparing to fight the last war. I have no idea what capacities are really needed for the next war. If there is one. The US is vastly outspending China militarily, and there's good reason to think that the real Chinese advantage is not preparing for a war at all.