American Quote by Smedley Butler
“I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916. In China I helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested.”
About This Quote
Source Autobiography: War Is a Racket, 1935
He describes U.S. corporate exploitation abroad, exposing imperialist motives behind interventions.
In simple terms: Corporate interests drive foreign interventions.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind foreign policy.
Themes
imperialism
corporate power
history
Mood
skeptical
historical
Type
inquisitive
critical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- education
- activism
- journalism
Key Concepts
economic exploitation
military intervention
political lobbying
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the long‑term impacts of such interventions?
- How do we hold corporations accountable?
A Different Perspective
Complex history may oversimplify events.
![“I'm glad I wrote the book to show what I found out about the [ Standard Oil Company]. I'm glad many people read my book and found out the truth.” quote by John D. Rockefeller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af4/john-d-rockefeller-3693_book_i-m-glad-i-wrote-the-book-to-show-what-i_2014614.jpg)
