If World War 3 were to break out, what would it be like?

Question

If WWIII ever broke out, what would it be like? Let's be realistic. I'm tired of listening to pastors go "We could get nuked any day and die, so love God." Let's assume that WWIII breaks out, not including the Mid East involvement. WWIII would require the clash between two powerful alliances. Even if both alliances have nuclear missiles in their arsenal, it is highly unlikely they will just fire without thinking. EVERYONE is aware of nuclear warfare end of the world. One country fires, another fires, chain reaction everyone fires.

So the real question starts here. In WWII, over 70 million people died, and majority of the deaths were actually civilians. UNITED STATES, the country of the free that we live in, was the first and ONLY country to ever use nuclear warfare. The bombing of Japan with atomic bomb, let me remind you, IS nuclear warfare.

Now if WWIII, broke out, what would be a realistic course of events for America? Like... would they draft people? Would economy get better or worse (probably worse since it will further decrease whatever that's left of the diminished fossil fuel resources)? Will U.S. win the next WW? Who would be the main powerhouses for military? Who would be allied? etc etc. It is strictly hypothetical and I want to hear all your opinions.

*Since history plays a huge part in wars and the like, I have put this in the history section. For instance, you can explain some of the contributions for WWII coming up to be caused by the U.S. denying German "glory" with the L-something treaty(?). 
(BTW who else thinks the U.S. will go to war with Pakistan sooner than later?)

Martin · Accepted Answer

I you think there is going to be anther WW2 then i have to disapoint you. The world order has changed and whatever new conflicts await us, they wont have the same constellation as those of the past.
For one, leaving out the middle east is not possible. Israel and Iran will inevitably play a role in a future global war.
Also, oil is increasingly unlikely to play as great a role as it may have done in the past (WW2) as for war purposes most lubricants, rubbers and fuels can today be produced synthetically. A much greater problem is water, particularly clean water. 
Another essential factor is China. Their industrial capacity is quite simply gigantic and their human resources almost unlimited.  Plus, they have learnt their lessons from WW2 all too well. China is the trump card in a global conflict.

Anonymous · Answer

Well that depends. In a world war, I'm assuming that the United States would be involved, and the U.S. and Canada are close allies. So, depending on the situation of the war, Canada would probably be drawn in too. That being said, your safety in Canada would depend on who we were fighting. If it is a nuclear power, then nowhere is safe, realistically. If it is a nation/group of nations that is relatively undeveloped you would probably be safer. The safest place to be would perhaps be Switzerland which has always maintained neutrality on the world stage.

Lyss Q · Answer

I'd hate to have to find out. I think Germany and the United States would be on the same side--the two countries get along now. I think a more interesting question is "What role would the United Nations play?"

There's a theory that WWII never would have happened if Germany hadn't been so screwed over during WWI. The nation was hurting economically and in their general outlook. Hitler told everyone he was going to make Germany great again, and that's how he garnered power.

Who would win World War Three?

Einstein put it into great words:
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."

No one will win, especially if we use our nukes.  There won't be anything left.

Anonymous · Answer

No matter who is allied with whom, whichever side is being defeated will revert to Nuclear weapons if they have them.
Remember, some in the US high command wanted to use `Nukes` against the Chinese in the Korean War, and you can see the mindset of people staring defeat in the face.

? · Answer

My guesses.  It will be a war over oil.  The major combatants will be technological advanced and economic powers.  Firepower and accuracy for conventional weapons, will negate the need for nuclear weapons.  Nuclear weapons will not be used; as their use will result in that nation be declared an "enemy of the world" or something like that.  Airpower will determine who wins the conflict.  The destructive power and accuracy of precision guided air to ground weapons will trump all other offensive weapon systems.  The infantry and their support weapons such as tanks and armored vehicles, are still needed for defense.

If World War 3 were to break out, what would it be like?

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