Acquire Quote by Smedley Butler
“Out of war nations acquire additional territory, if they are victorious. They just take it. This newly acquired territory promptly is exploited by the few - the selfsame few who wrung dollars out of blood in the war. The general public shoulders the bill.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the U.S. Congress, 1935
War leads victorious nations to seize land, which the elite exploit while the public bears costs.
In simple terms: War profits the few, burdening many.
Key Takeaway
Beware of war profiteering.
Themes
politics
war
economics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- military interventions
- public finance
Key Concepts
imperialism
resource exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from war?
- How can societies prevent exploitation?
A Different Perspective
Not all territorial gains are justified or beneficial.
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