Peace Quote by Robert M. La Follette
“If there is no sufficient reason for war, the war party will make war on one pretext, then invent another... after the war is on.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Reform Address, 1912
War is often justified by fabricated pretexts; leaders create reasons to fight.
In simple terms: War uses false excuses.
Question motives behind conflict.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- international negotiations
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence reveals a pretext?
- How can societies prevent manufactured wars?
Not all conflicts are fabricated; some arise from genuine threats.