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Out of war nations acquire additional territory, if they…

“Out of war nations acquire additional territory, if they are victorious. They just take it. This newly acquired territory promptly is exploited by the few - the selfsame few who wrung dollars out of blood in the war. The general public shoulders the bill.” quote by Smedley Butler
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“Out of war nations acquire additional territory, if they are victorious. They just take it. This newly acquired territory promptly is exploited by the few - the selfsame few who wrung dollars out of blood in the war. The general public shoulders the bill.”

Smedley Butler

About This Quote

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

War leads victorious nations to seize land, which the elite exploit while the public bears costs.

In simple terms: War profits the few, burdening many.

Key Takeaway

Beware of war profiteering.

Themes

politics war economics

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • military interventions
  • public finance

Key Concepts

imperialism resource exploitation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who benefits from war?
  • How can societies prevent exploitation?
A Different Perspective

Not all territorial gains are justified or beneficial.

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