The Great Illusion · Chapter
Appendix explained
The Appendix addresses criticisms of 'The Great Illusion' following the outbreak of the Balkan War.
What happens
The Appendix addresses criticisms of 'The Great Illusion' following the outbreak of the Balkan War. It presents quotes from Winston Churchill and the London Review of Reviews that argue the war disproves the book's theses. The author responds by defending his arguments, asserting that the war actually justifies both Old and New Pacifism. He argues that the war's fundamental causes are economic, stemming from the Turk's role as a conqueror and parasite, and that the conflict highlights the economic futility of conquest and the importance of economic interdependence in preventing war.
Themes in this chapter
Economic Futility of War
The author argues that the Balkan War's fundamental causes are economic, and that the Turkish system of conquest and exploitation is an impossible form of human relationship bound to break down.
Interdependence of Nations
The text suggests that the Balkans' geographic remoteness from European economic development prevented the growth of interdependent social life, which in turn allowed primitive hatreds to persist.
Critique of Militarism
The author critiques the reliance on force, exemplified by the Turk's rule, and argues that a system based on force and conquest is futile and will break down.
Characters to notice
- Norman Angell
The author of 'The Great Illusion', responding to criticisms of his work in the wake of the Balkan War.
- Winston Churchill
Quoted for his speech at Sheffield, which criticizes the idea that war is an illusion and argues that force can be a remedy.
Key passages
“War is not impossible, and no responsible Pacifist ever said it was; it is not the likelihood of war which is the illusion, but its benefits.”
The illusion is not that wars can happen, but that they are beneficial.
Clarifies the core argument of the author against a common misrepresentation.
“The Turk is an economic parasite and the healthy economic organism must end by rejecting him.”
The Turkish system of living off conquered peoples is unsustainable and will inevitably be rejected.
Summarizes the author's economic analysis of the Balkan conflict.