Why Didn't Vegeta and Nappa Conquer Earth Instead of Just Destroying It?

Many fans and enthusiasts of the Dragon Ball series often ponder over why the Saiyan warriors didn't attempt to conquer and control Earth instead of simply destroying it. This question brings us into a deeper analysis of the characters and their motivations, as well as the technological and strategic advantages they might have had.

Random Planets: A Saiyan Trademark

First, let's consider the behavior and mindset of the Saiyans. Saiyans, at their core, are a race that thrives on conflict and conquest. It's part of their culture and tradition to destroy planets for fun. Picture this: they send their children to live on a random planet, where the children would be raised and eventually transformed into great apes. At that point, a Saiyan squad would come to take care of the planet, witnessing the destruction first-hand, and then blowing it up.

This pattern of behavior is a clear indication that the Saiyans are not strategic or politically savvy individuals. They are more akin to 'smart cavemen,' with their science primarily focused on armor, houses, and transportation rather than complex political systems. Despite their advanced technology, their intellect for strategic planning and diplomacy is minimal.

Evolution and Society

It’s fascinating to note that despite having billions of years to evolve, their natural strength has dominated their development. Saiyans didn't need to develop intellect for high-level political or social situations because they were naturally stronger than any other organisms in the universe. This lack of advanced societal skills is evident even in the character of Vegeta, who grew up in a society where his primary role was as a high-class warrior. Even with the potential threat of Frieza and the necessity to come up with a plan, Vegeta's character reflects a mindset of disdain for weaklings and a preference for a more brutish approach.

Vegeta, despite being raised in this society and treated like a spoiled brat, would not favor the idea of relying on weak humans or developing an army from Earth’s inhabitants. His character, developed over many years, is one of arrogance and a disdain for human civilization.

Military Strategy and Planetary Strength

Another critical aspect to consider is the Earth's planetary defense mechanisms. In the Dragon Ball series, planets like Earth are often portrayed as having dormant planetary defense systems that can prevent even powerful ki attacks. A planet-busting attack from a powerful character like Frieza would be a significant challenge, but for a planet filled with billions of people and a multitude of defenses, the damage is still minimal. If an attack of this magnitude can be so easily handled, it suggests that neither Vegeta nor Nappa would have needed to invade Earth. The infrastructure and natural defenses of a planet could decidedly hamper their mission to conquer.

Military strategy and technological capabilities of the characters, such as Goku's ability to push back a planet-busting attack and throw Cooler into the Sun 12.5 times faster than light, paint a picture of a scenario where a direct attack on a populated planet could indeed be catastrophic. However, the destruction by a powerful foe like Frieza is usually handled with an ease that doesn't require lengthy conquest.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to destroy Earth instead of conquering it stems from the Saiyans' natural tendencies, their lack of strategic planning, and the defensive capabilities of Earth itself. The legacy of Earth's destruction by powerful foes like Frieza and Vegeta’s disdain for weaklings likely contributed to the decision to simply end a problem rather than solving it through more complex means.

As a fan, one can appreciate the drama and spectacle of a planet's destruction, but as an analyst, it's intriguing to consider what might have been if Vegeta and Nappa had attempted to conquer Earth instead of merely destroying it. The answer lies in the complex interplay of characters, culture, and the stakes involved in the universe of Dragon Ball.