Extermination Quote by Adam Hochschild
““Lieutenant General Lothar von Trotha, who issued an extermination order (Vernichtungsbefehl): “Within the German boundaries every Herero, whether found with or without a rifle, with or without cattle, shall be shot. . . . “Signed The Great General of the Mighty Kaiser, von Trotha.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Burying the Reich, 2018
The quote illustrates the brutal policy of extermination imposed on the Herero people, showing how colonial powers used indiscriminate violence to suppress resistance.
In simple terms: Trotha ordered killing all Herero regardless of arms.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the dangers of dehumanizing rhetoric.
Themes
colonialism
genocide
military orders
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
political.
When to use this quote
- history lessons
- human rights advocacy
- education on colonial crimes
Key Concepts
imperialism
racism
state violence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we prevent similar dehumanizing policies today?
- What responsibilities do societies have to acknowledge past atrocities?
A Different Perspective
Such policies often ignore moral constraints and can lead to long‑term trauma.
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