When

Soldiers
Aren't Heroes
GROUP 5
 I. Objectives/goals
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able
to:
Understand why nations go to war for a wide
range of reasons.

Learn the history of the first and second world

wars, and the Korean war.

Figure out whether the soldiers are heroic or

atrocious.
 II. Surveying the terrain: Brief background of the topic
People go to war for a variety of reasons, often complex and intertwined.
Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Territorial disputes: When two or more countries have overlapping territorial

claims, it can lead to tensions and even military conflict.

2. Resource competition: Access to resources such as oil, water, and minerals

can be a source of conflict between nations.

3. Ideological or religious differences: Differences in political ideology,

religious beliefs, or other cultural values can lead to conflicts between nations.
 II. Surveying the terrain: Brief background of the topic

4. Economic interests: Economic interests, such as access to markets or

control over trade routes, can be a significant driver of military conflict.

5. Power struggles: National leaders may seek to expand their influence and
power by engaging in military conflict with other countries.

6. National security: Governments may engage in war to defend their country

and citizens from perceived threats, whether real or perceived.
II. Surveying the terrain: Brief background of the topic
The First World War, also known as World War I, was a global conflict
that took place from 1914 to 1918. It involved many of the world's great
powers, primarily divided into two opposing alliances: the Allies (comprised
of France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and later joined by the United States)
and the Central Powers (led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman
Empire).

The First World War was a transformative event that reshaped the global
political order, ignited new tensions and conflicts, and set the stage for
the Second World War. It left a lasting impact on societies, economies, and
international relations, and its consequences continue to be felt to this day.
 II. Surveying the terrain: Brief background of the topic
Military Casualties:
Allied Powers: The exact number of military casualties for the Allied Powers is difficult to
determine precisely. However, estimates suggest that the total military deaths ranged
from 5 to 6 million. This includes soldiers from countries such as France, the United
Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and the United States.
Central Powers: The Central Powers, primarily Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the
Ottoman Empire, suffered an estimated total of 4 to 5 million military deaths.

Civilian Casualties:
The war also took a heavy toll on civilian populations. It resulted in widespread
devastation, including bombings, blockades, and famine. Civilian casualties, including
those caused by military action, diseases, and starvation, are estimated to be around 6 to
13 million.
II. Surveying the terrain: Brief background of the topic

The Second World War began in 1939 and lasted until 1945. It was fought between the Axis powers,
primarily Germany, Japan, and Italy, and the Allied powers, which included the United States, the
United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. The war was marked by significant military campaigns in Europe,
Africa, and Asia, as well as atrocities such as the Holocaust and the dropping of atomic bombs on
Japan by the US. The war ended with the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan and is
considered the deadliest conflict in human history, with an estimated 70-85 million fatalities.
II. Surveying the terrain: Brief background of the topic
The Korean War was a military conflict that lasted from 1950 to 1953 between North
Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, supported by the
United States and other United Nations member countries. The war began when
North Korea invaded South Korea, leading to a UN intervention to defend South
Korea.

The war ended with an armistice signed in 1953, which created a demilitarized zone
between North and South Korea that still exists today. The war resulted in a
significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting that over 2.5 million people were
killed or injured. It also had long-lasting political and social impacts, including the
division of Korea into two separate countries that remain divided to this day.
II. Surveying the terrain: Brief background of the topic
The topic of heroism and the military is a complex and controversial one.
Soldiers are often celebrated and praised for their bravery and sacrifice, but
there are also instances where their actions may be called into question. For
example, soldiers who commit war crimes or participate in unjust wars
may not be viewed as heroes by all.

Minch's article contributes to this ongoing debate by offering a meticulous view

of the heroism of soldiers. By discussing situations where the hero label may not
be appropriate, he encourages readers to think critically about the actions of
soldiers and the ethical implications of war.
 III. What are the issues?
These are the issues that are raised in this topic:

How can it be right to fight a wrong war and how can it be honorable to fight a
dishonorable war?

It argues that Christian Ethics, no less, identify the agent as morally responsible
for her moral decision.

Deontological moral theory famously essentializes personal rational autonomy.

The Just War theory seeks to look back to the church’s past and somehow draw it
into the present.
III. What are the issues?

Does the defense of values by force remain a moral possibility?

On the other hand, it justifies the principles of jus ad bellum and jus in bello
in the Just War Tradition.
 IV. Arguments for and against
Arguments for:

1. Soldiers who demonstrate exceptional bravery or sacrifice should be

considered heroes. Minch argues that soldiers who risk their own lives to save
others or who go above and beyond their duty to serve their country deserve
the title of hero.

2. Soldiers who serve their country should be respected. While not all soldiers
may be considered heroes, Minch argues that all soldiers who serve their
country should be respected and honored for their sacrifice and service.
 IV. Arguments for and against
Arguments against:

1. Soldiers who commit war crimes cannot be considered heroes. Minch argues
that soldiers who intentionally target civilians or engage in other unethical
actions violate international law and basic moral standards, and cannot be
praised or celebrated as heroes.

2. Participation in unjust wars does not make soldiers heroes. Minch suggests
that soldiers who participate in wars that are unjust or based on false
pretenses should not be seen as heroes. Instead, soldiers who refuse to
participate or speak out against such wars may be considered heroic for
standing up for what is right.
 V. Synthesis
"When Soldiers Aren't Heroes" is an article written by Michael Minch that
challenges the notion that all soldiers are heroes. Minch argues that while some
soldiers may indeed be heroic, others may not necessarily deserve the title. He
notes that soldiers can commit atrocities, engage in immoral behavior, and
participate in unjust wars.

Minch also critiques the societal pressure to blindly support all soldiers and the
military, arguing that this can lead to dangerous and harmful actions being
excused or overlooked. He suggests that instead of blindly praising soldiers, we
should critically examine their actions and hold them accountable for any
wrongdoing.
 V. Synthesis

Overall, Minch's article encourages readers to think critically about the role of
soldiers in society and to question the automatic hero status that is often
assigned to them.

While war can sometimes be seen as a necessary means to achieve certain

goals, it often comes with significant human and societal costs. It is important
to strive for diplomatic and peaceful solutions to conflicts whenever
possible, and to consider the long-term consequences of engaging in
military conflict.
Thank You for
Listening!
"We aren't heroes out there in
the military. We're just Patriots."
- Marcus Luttrell

GROUP 5