The Psychological Case for War explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Critique of Militarism

  The chapter systematically presents and critiques the arguments of militarist philosophers who view war as a valuable discipline and biological necessity.

• Changeability of Human Nature

  The chapter addresses the argument that war is inevitable because human nature is unchanging, a claim that Angell's broader work seeks to refute.

• Role of Public Opinion

  The chapter discusses how the philosophy of 'war for war's sake' is a powerful factor in creating an atmosphere in Europe favorable to war and unfavorable to international agreement.

Characters to notice

• Homer Lea

  American soldier whose work argues that war is inevitable and that international arbitration is a foolish attempt to thwart universal natural laws.

• Admiral Mahan

  Cited as a critic who makes a similar moral and psychological case for the causes of war.

• General Bernhardi

  His views are referenced as part of the school of philosophy that encourages war, though he is not directly quoted in this excerpt.

• Moltke

  Quoted from a letter to Bluntschli, declaring that perpetual peace is a dream and that war is an element of order established by God.

• Ernest Renan

  Quoted from 'La Réforme Intellectuelle et Morale', arguing that war is a condition of progress and a sting that prevents a country from going to sleep.

• Theodore Roosevelt

  Quoted from speeches and writings, expressing the view that war is necessary to acquire virile qualities and that nations must perform deeds of blood and valor.

• William James

  Quoted on the martial virtues being permanent human goods and militarism being the great preserver of our ideals of hardihood.

• Baron Karl von Stengel

  German jurist and delegate to the First Hague Peace Conference, whose book 'Weltstadt und Friedensproblem' contains a chapter on the significance of war for the development of humanity.

Key passages

• “The cause of war is spiritual, not material. … The great wars arose from conflicts as to rights, and the dangerous causes of war are the existence of antagonistic ideas of rights or righteousness. … It is for moral ideas that men are most ready to make sacrifices.”

  A critic argues that wars are fought over moral and spiritual ideals, not for material gain, and that men are most willing to sacrifice for their beliefs.

  This is the first major objection Angell addresses in the chapter.

• “War has more often facilitated than hindered progress. Athens and Rome, not only in spite of, but just because of their many wars, rose to the zenith of civilization. Great States like Germany and Italy are welded into nationalities only through blood and iron. Storm purifies the air and destroys the frail trees, leaving the sturdy oaks standing. War is the test of a nation's political, physical, and intellectual worth.”

  Baron von Stengel argues that war has historically been a positive force, helping great states rise and testing a nation's true worth, much like a storm purifies the air.

  This is a key example of the 'biological plea' for war that Angell presents.

• “We despise a nation, just as we despise a man, who submits to insult. What is true of a man ought to be true of a nation. … We must play a great part in the world, and especially … perform those deeds of blood, of valor, which above everything else bring national renown. We do not admire a man of timid peace. By war alone can we acquire those virile qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life.”

  Theodore Roosevelt argues that nations, like individuals, must be willing to fight to defend their honor and acquire the manly qualities needed to succeed in the world.

  This quote exemplifies the psychological and moral case for war as presented by a prominent American figure.