Citizens Quote by Andrew Jackson
![“If they [Mexicans] touch the hair of the head of one of our citizens, tell him [Commodore Dallas] to batter down and destroy their town and exterminate the inhabitants from the face of the earth!” quote by Andrew Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a2b/andrew-jackson-2317_citizens_if-they-mexicans-touch-the-hair-of-the-h_393125.jpg)
“If they [Mexicans] touch the hair of the head of one of our citizens, tell him [Commodore Dallas] to batter down and destroy their town and exterminate the inhabitants from the face of the earth!”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to Congress, 1835
Jackson advocates extreme retaliation against perceived offenses, urging total destruction of a community.
In simple terms: He calls for harsh punishment for a minor slight.
Key Takeaway
Consider proportionality in response.
Themes
justice
violence
military
authority
nationalism
Mood
aggressive
authoritarian
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- military conflict
- diplomatic crisis
- border disputes
- civil unrest
Key Concepts
retributive justice
imperialism
colonialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is collective punishment ever justified?
- What are the long‑term effects of violent retaliation?
A Different Perspective
Such extreme measures can provoke cycles of violence and moral condemnation.
