History, rerun or a new direction?

As I watch today's events unfold between the war in Iraq, the conflict in Afghanistan, the war of words in Iran and North Korea and the full blown, throw down Ultimate Fighting in our very own congress I ponder if previous generations had it so good? During WW II, were there vast numbers of the population who were concerned that we were making the wrong decisions on going to war? Did they believe that it was a war of our own making due to our policies toward Japan and Germany? Did they stage protests and rallies to draw attention to their beliefs? Were there members of congress who voted to go to war but then after a year or two stated they were misled and that the war was a mistake? Did the parents of children back then worry that their kid may grow up in a world ruled by dictators and oppression?
I see many similarities between the Nazis and current day radical Islam and if we are not careful the outcome of today's war could change our world for worse. Both believed that the Jewish people were the cause of today's problems and should be wipe off the map. Both ruled with iron fists, intimidation, death and fervor. Both believed that their vision of the world was perfect and both had the intent, capability, and passion to do whatever it takes to bring about the changes they sought through violent means. Are we able to learn from our past? Given the outcome of WW II perhaps we should pray that we would be doomed to repeat it. Seems that our stomach to do what needs to be done is no longer as strong as it was back then.