Comments by "bakters" (@bakters) on "The Axis Population outnumbered the Soviet Population in 1942" video.

@n00btotale That's all good, but what are you trying to argue for? That Soviets could take out all Siberian forces, because Japan wouldn't be able to attack anyway? Well, they didn't. Kwantung army was still stationed in the area and it was a serious threat, which the Soviets could not ignore. So, what's the point of arguing that they should?
1
@n00btotale "I'm arguing that Germany was incapable of taking Moscow" That strongly depends on how well the Soviets would defend it, doesn't it? As it happened Soviets did well, but it was not a given. "if Japan invaded the east they wouldn't be able to supply their army" Are you trying to say, that the Soviets could outsupply Japan around Vladivostok? While fighting to survive in the West? I find this line of reasoning extremely doubtful. So far it looks to me that if Japan wanted Vladivostok bad enough, they'd have taken it and Soviets could do little to stop them. "invading Russia from the East is pretty much impossible." Sure, but Japan still could take Vladivostok and secure their conquest of China this way. "you should see that the Soviets could afford to remove pretty much all their forces from the East" But then they'd lose control over those areas. What would they gain by transferring, let's say, 15 divisions to the West? Extra 5% numerical strength, which amounts to little until you are able to supply them well. Considering that Lend-Lease alone amounted to about 5-15% of Soviet supplies, I don't think that sacrificing Vladivostok was worth it.
1
@n00btotale I've watched the lecture you have linked. It was interesting, but hardly groundbreaking as far as my personal opinions go. In other words, there were details I didn't know, but overall I already shared the views provided there. Regarding if Soviets could survive even if Japan attacked, I tend to agree that they probably would, until they did something stupid. I thought you argued that Japan was incapable of attack at all, but since it seems you just argue that they would never be able to support the Germans in the West to any meaningful degree, of course I agree. It's a long way from Pacific to Ural and Volga.
1
@agg2959 "Soviet soldiers were punished with death for committing rape" I've read somewhere, that they were allowed a three day free reign initially.
1