Civilians Quote by Richard Rhodes

“But the death machine had only sampled a vast new source of raw material: the civilians behind the lines. It had not yet evolved equipment efficient to process them, only big guns and clumsy biplane bombers. It had not yet evolved the necessary rationale that old people and women and children are…” quote by Richard Rhodes — Download Open image

““But the death machine had only sampled a vast new source of raw material: the civilians behind the lines. It had not yet evolved equipment efficient to process them, only big guns and clumsy biplane bombers. It had not yet evolved the necessary rationale that old people and women and children are combatants equally with armed and uniformed young men. That is why, despite its sickening squalor and brutality, the Great War looks so innocent to modern eyes.””

Richard Rhodes

About This Quote

Source Book: The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes, 1986

War expands its reach to civilians, treating them as combatants before technology and justification catch up.

In simple terms: War treats civilians as enemies before tools and reasons develop.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the human cost of conflict.

Themes

war ethics civilian casualties technology history

Mood

somber reflective

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

policy debates
humanitarian law
military strategy
public awareness

Key Concepts

total war dehumanization military doctrine

Questions to Reflect On

How does modern warfare differ in civilian impact?
What ethical frameworks should guide wartime conduct?

A Different Perspective

The quote may oversimplify complex wartime dynamics.

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Civilians Civilians Lines Combatants Equally Death Great war Material Civilians Old people Raw material War Young men

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