Degrees Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“The inhabitants of territories, often the theatre of war, are unavoidably subject to frequent infringements on their rights, which serve to weaken their sense of those rights; and by degrees, the people are brought to consider the soldiery not only as their protectors but as their superiors.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Federalist Papers, No. 23, 1788
War zones erode civil rights, turning citizens into subjects who view soldiers as rulers.
In simple terms: War weakens rights and elevates soldiers.
Guard civil liberties in conflict.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- occupied territories
- human rights advocacy
- policy reform
- military oversight
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies preserve rights under occupation?
- What mechanisms keep military power in check?
May overlook civilian agency and resilience.