Aggression Quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt
“While things on the surface seem more quiet than at any time since last summer, I do not like the maintenance of what amounts to almost full mobilization in aggressor countries. Surely they cannot afford it and if they had any definite policy of trying to work out economic salvation (except by arms) they would be showing some signs of cutting military expenditures.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Radio Broadcast, 1941, United States
The speaker warns that despite a calm appearance, aggressor nations are heavily mobilized and cannot sustain it without economic policy shifts toward peace.
In simple terms: War‑time mobilization is costly and unsustainable without economic change.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for economic strategies over military spending.
Themes
war
economics
policy
peace
military spending
Mood
concerned
serious
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- historical study
- policy debate
Key Concepts
military mobilization
economic sustainability
peace advocacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What economic policies could replace military spending?
- How can nations transition from mobilization to peace?
A Different Perspective
The speaker assumes all aggressor nations lack viable economic alternatives.
![“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)
