Aggression Quote by Woodrow Wilson
“A powerful Navy we have always regarded as our proper and natural means of defense; and it has always been of defense that we have thought, never of aggression or of conquest. But who shall tell us now what sort of Navy to build? We shall take leave to be strong upon the seas, in the future as in the past; and there will be no thought of offense or provocation in that. Our ships are our natural bulwarks.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: State of the Union, 1916
The Navy should be a defensive force, not an instrument of aggression; its purpose is protection.
In simple terms: Navy is for defense, not attack.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize defensive maritime strategy.
Themes
defense
military policy
national security
Mood
strategic
historical
Type
political
military
When to use this quote
- coastal protection
- anti‑piracy missions
- humanitarian aid
Key Concepts
deterrence
balance of power
strategic doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a navy balance defense with necessary deterrence?
- What are the risks of a purely defensive posture?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on defense may limit strategic flexibility.
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![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
