Revenge Come Quote by Empress Dowager Cixi
““I have always been of the opinion, that the allied armies had been permitted to escape too easily in 1860. Only a united effort was then necessary to have given China the victory. Today, at last, the opportunity for revenge has come.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Imperial Court Address, 1900, China
Cixi believed that a decisive, unified military action was needed to secure victory, and that earlier leniency allowed enemies to escape, setting the stage for later retaliation.
In simple terms: She thought stronger, coordinated effort would have won the war and later revenge was justified.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when unity and decisive action are required.
Themes
military strategy
revenge
unity
political power
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- war planning
- policy decisions
- nationalistic rhetoric
Key Concepts
imperial ambition
nationalism
historical hindsight
Questions to Reflect On
- Was unity always the best path?
- What alternatives existed to revenge?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on revenge can ignore diplomatic solutions.
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
