--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I give it as my fixed opinion, that but…" description: "\"I give it as my fixed opinion, that but for our graduated cadets, the war between the United States and Mexico might, and probably would have lasted so..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f00/winfield-scott-48600_battle_i-give-it-as-my-fixed-opinion-that-but-f_953887.jpg" --- # I give it as my fixed opinion, that but for our graduated… ![“I give it as my fixed opinion, that but for our graduated cadets, the war between the United States and Mexico might, and probably would have lasted some four or five years, with, in its first half, more defeats than victories falling to our share; whereas, in less than two campaigns, we conquered…” quote by Winfield Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f00/winfield-scott-48600_battle_i-give-it-as-my-fixed-opinion-that-but-f_953887.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f00/winfield-scott-48600_battle_i-give-it-as-my-fixed-opinion-that-but-f_953887.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f00/winfield-scott-48600_battle_i-give-it-as-my-fixed-opinion-that-but-f_953887.jpg) > “I give it as my fixed opinion, that but for our graduated cadets, the war between the United States and Mexico might, and probably would have lasted some four or five years, with, in its first half, more defeats than victories falling to our share; whereas, in less than two campaigns, we conquered a great country and a peace without the loss of a single battle or skirmish.” [Winfield Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winfield-scott/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The U.S. could have prolonged war with Mexico, but achieved swift victory and peace without battle losses. **In simple terms:** Quick war, no battles. Key Takeaway Value decisive action. Themes military strategy history politics Mood historical analytical Type educational reflective When to use this quote - military planning - diplomacy - policy analysis Key Concepts expeditionary warfare peace through strength Questions to Reflect On - What are the costs of rapid conquest? - How does peace without battle affect legitimacy? A Different Perspective Might overlook long-term consequences. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Battle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/battle/) [Cadets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cadets/) [Campaigns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/campaigns/) [Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) [Defeat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defeat/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Loss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/loss/) [Mexico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mexico/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [United states](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/united-states/) [Victory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/victory/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [Old friends are the great blessings of one's later years. Half a word conveys one's meaning. 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