Army Quote by Wilhelm II
“It is the soldier and the army, not parliamentary majorities and decisions, that have welded the German Empire together. I put my trust in the army.”
About This Quote
The army, not political majorities, is the binding force of the German Empire, and the speaker places confidence in it.
In simple terms: Military unity over politics
Key Takeaway
Army as state glue
Themes
nationalism
military power
authoritarianism
statecraft
historical context
Mood
defiant
pragmatic
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- political instability
- war mobilization
- state-building
- authoritarian consolidation
Key Concepts
German Empire
parliamentary democracy
military loyalty
Practical Applications
- defining national identity
- justifying military dominance
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks arise when military institutions dominate political life?
- How does this view affect civil-military relations?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on the army can marginalize civilian governance and democratic processes.
![“I am not a man who believes that we Germans bled and conquered thirty years ago [to be] pushed aside when great international decisions are made. If that were to happen, the place of Germany as a world power would be gone for ever. I am not prepared to let that happen.” quote by Wilhelm II](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/343/wilhelm-ii-27754_believe_i-am-not-a-man-who-believes-that-we-germ_1309029.jpg)
![“England must have the mask of Christian peaceableness [peacefulness] torn publicly from her face... Our consuls in Turkey and India, agents, etc. must inflame the whole Muslim world to wild revolt against this hateful, lying, conscienceless people of hagglers. For even if we are to be bled to…” quote by Wilhelm II](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/462/wilhelm-ii-27754_agents_england-must-have-the-mask-of-christian_1363008.jpg)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
