Battlefields Quote by Georges Clemenceau
“On September 17, 1914, Erzberger, the well-known German statesman, an eminent member of the Catholic Party, wrote to the Minister of War, General von Falkenhayn, We must not worry about committing an offence against the rights of nations nor about violating the laws of humanity. Such feelings today are of secondary importance? A month later, on October 21, 1914, he wrote in Der Tag, If a way was found of entirely wiping out the whole of London it would be more humane to employ it than to allow the blood of A SINGLE GERMAN SOLDIER to be shed on the battlefield!”
About This Quote
War leaders justified extreme actions, showing moral compromises in conflict.
In simple terms: War justifies extremes.
Key Takeaway
Question moral compromises in wartime decisions.
Themes
war
ethics
humanity
politics
morality
Mood
critical
somber
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military strategy
- diplomacy
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
realpolitik
just war theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the long‑term effects of wartime moral lapses?
- How can societies prevent extreme wartime rhetoric?
A Different Perspective
Such justifications can erode humanity.
