Why do Americans self promote their military efforts, and ignore those of their allies?

Question

I have been doing some research for a history project on the New Guinea campaign as part of the Pacific war, and have found several good resources published in the UK & Aus, but all of the American books seem to ignore the considerable efforts of Aus forces in SW Pac. despite the fact they virtually held off, and then repelled the Japanese single-handedly, especially in New Guinea until reinforcements from the US came to their relief. I am not suggesting we could have won the Pacific war without the US, but no books from the US properly acknowledge the skill, courage and determination of the Aussies at Kokoda, Buna, Wewak, the battle of the Coral Sea etc. MacArthur even had to apologise for saying Aussie troops were lazy after they repeatedly rescued beleaguered US forces. Americans need to show more awareness and respect for their allies....
Can you explain to me why they have such an inward looking view of history?

In reply to looksadpaper: I disagree wholeheartedly. At Gallipoli there was British and French in very LARGE numbers, as well as Kiwis and Aussies. But no Canadians. And most serious Australian academic perspectives of it reflect this. The reason it is so celebrated in Australian culture, is despite the fact it was a massive defeat, it was the FIRST major battle we had participated in. As for New Guinea, it was primarily the Militia, who were train drivers and posties who, with little training or preperation, held back the might of the Japanese Imperial Army whilst our army was in North Africa. They had six weeks training, were given a rifle and repelled a previously undefeated Empire until our Army could be recalled to reinforce them. The suffered a lot, and it probably turned the tide in the Pacific, allowing USA to turn the tide and eventually win the war. But US books never even mention the Aussie militia.

Answer 1

YES!! Great question! I would guess part of it comes from their long held policy of isolationism and hence lack of interest in, and knowledge of, the outside world. Then, in this uninformed environment, there is the massive massive "patriotism" which to Americans means not just that they love their country, but that their country is better than everyone elses! (maybe it goes back to the propaganda needed in the war of independance, or, more likely was related to the 'righteousness' of all the religious fundamentalism). Pandering to this "patriotism" means more tv ratings or book sales.

Also MacArthur was incredibly obsessed with his publicity back home, and so made sure that the view that his soldiers had done everything was presented back home.

Answer 2

I think it is not that unreasonable for a country to talk up their war efforts. We are extremely guilty of it in Australia. It's just that American books are more likely to reach us, than Australian books are to reach them.
Look at Gallipoli. You would think it was only the ANZACS against the Turks the way we talk about it, but the British were there, and I believe the French in small numbers, and Canadian...



If you read this -
look at bbc.co.uk and read about the British people's response to Gallipoli. (specificly, their outrage at how it has become all about the ANZACS)
You obviously have a lot of interest in the war and may be more attuned to things said about it.
I'm not, as such, and I can promise you it wasn't until I read the BBC site that I even knew any other country was involved (other than the Brit's involvement landing the ANZACS on the wrong beach)
It's not through ignorance either, rather it is relying solely on our media's representation.

Answer 3

American patriotism is at a low among those who have no family affiliation with the American military. It may be wrong and im not agreeing with it, but maybe they're just trying to harness the little bit of patriotism the average American has.

Answer 4

Actually the war, all the wars, were fought and won by John Wayne with some support from Kirk Douglas and Ernest Borgenine

Answer 5

If you read some of the accounts of the 1st World War on the Western Front you would really believe that only the British fought it on the allied side.

Answer 6

The American view of "we're number one!" often gets in the way of the truth of history. Don't depend on only American history books, do your research, analyze it and come to your own conclusions. Professors love that!

Answer 7

did you really expect anything else,australian troops did far more than the americans and were superior soldiers,,its the same on d/day they tell it as if there was no other country involved and infact nothing could be further from the truth,on d/day the british/candian/australia and other commonwealth forces were the maln reason for that success as the american got themselves in all sorts of trouble and nearly lost their advance,

Answer 8

Many states do this in order to increase the peoples approval on the government.

Answer 9

It was true alot in the Past but right now our allies in Iraq do make the news as much as we do and I do appreciate all that they do since we are the ones who got them there!!

Answer 10

Egotistical! The U.S. has never acknowledged another country's help, no matter when the event took place. The U.S. always seems to think we need no ones permission to do anything, let alone admitting another country's efforts to thwart defeat by the Nazis and Japs!