The recent rise in tensions over the disputed South China Sea has drawn attention to the possibility that the conflict is really about natural resources located in the islands of the South China Sea.

We re-examine the real motivations behind the Pearl Harbor attack and the German invasion of Russia. We also consider more current geo-political tensions that are being driven by commodities.

 

The American Revolution in Europe is seen as a battle between the British and the French for commodities and trade routes

The French participated in the American Revolution when they offered the United Stated naval support in 1778. While the revolution is seen as a patriotic battle in the U.S. to Europeans it was a battle over commodities and trade routes.