1906 Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““Wars, wars, wars': reading up on the region I came across one moment when quintessential Englishness had in fact intersected with this darkling plain. In 1906 Winston Churchill, then the minister responsible for British colonies, had been honored by an invitation from Kaiser Wilhelm II to attend the annual maneuvers of the Imperial German Army, held at Breslau. The Kaiser was 'resplendent in the uniform of the White Silesian Cuirassiers' and his massed and regimented infantry... reminded one more of great Atlantic rollers than human formations. Clouds of cavalry, avalanches of field-guns and—at that time a novelty—squadrons of motor-cars (private and military) completed the array. For five hours the immense defilade continued. Yet this was only a twentieth of the armed strength of the regular German Army before mobilization. Strange to find Winston Churchill and Sylvia Plath both choosing the word 'roller,' in both its juggernaut and wavelike declensions, for that scene.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens, 2001
The passage juxtaposes British imperial nostalgia with the mechanized, overwhelming power of early 20th‑century Germany, highlighting how language can capture both awe and dread.
In simple terms: British pride meets German military might, described with vivid, rolling imagery.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how metaphor shapes perception of power.
Themes
history
military
imperialism
language
culture
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- military history lectures
- comparative literature analysis
- political speeches
- media commentary
Key Concepts
imperialism
modernity
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How does metaphor influence our view of war?
- What does “roller” reveal about cultural attitudes?
A Different Perspective
The focus on spectacle may overlook the human cost of militarism.
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