Skip to content

[regarding US conquest of the Philippines] "I turn green…

“[regarding US conquest of the Philippines] "I turn green in bed at midnight if I think of the horror of a year's warfare in the Philippines [...] We must slaughter a million or two foolish Malays in order to give them the comforts of flannel petticoats and electric railways.” quote by Henry Adams
Download Open image
“[regarding US conquest of the Philippines] "I turn green in bed at midnight if I think of the horror of a year's warfare in the Philippines [...] We must slaughter a million or two foolish Malays in order to give them the comforts of flannel petticoats and electric railways.”

Henry Adams

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author reflects on the brutal cost of colonial war, exposing the moral contradictions of “civilizing” missions.

In simple terms: War brings horror and moral conflict.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the human cost of conflict.

Themes

war colonialism morality

Mood

somber critical

Type

historical reflective

When to use this quote

  • military strategy
  • historical analysis
  • human rights advocacy
  • education

Key Concepts

history ethics political science

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can progress be achieved without violence?
  • How do we reconcile national interests with ethical responsibility?
A Different Perspective

Justifications of war often ignore suffering.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Henry Adams

Explore all 230 Henry Adams quotes

More Bed quotes

Browse all 4,159 Bed quotes