The Great Illusion · Chapter
II: Armament, but Not Alone Armament explained
This chapter argues that armament alone is an insufficient and self-defeating strategy for national security.
What happens
This chapter argues that armament alone is an insufficient and self-defeating strategy for national security. Angell contends that focusing solely on military buildup, while ignoring the underlying political and economic realities, creates a vicious circle of suspicion and escalation. He critiques the positions of figures like Winston Churchill and Admiral Fisher, who advocate for overwhelming military superiority, pointing out that such doctrines deny rivals the right to self-defense and provoke challenges. Angell emphasizes that conduct is shaped by beliefs about facts, not facts themselves, and that a 'Political Reformation' in European thought is necessary to break the cycle of militarism. He maintains that self-defense is justified while the current political philosophy persists, but argues that neglecting all other factors in favor of pure armament leads inevitably toward catastrophe.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Militarism
Angell argues that focusing solely on armaments is a self-defeating strategy that creates a vicious circle of escalation and ignores the need for political understanding.
Role of Public Opinion
The chapter emphasizes that conduct is shaped by beliefs about facts, and that a change in political conduct requires a change in thought, which is hindered by war preparation.
Illusion of Political Power
Angell critiques the assumption that overwhelming military force provides security, showing that such doctrines deny rivals the right to self-defense and provoke challenges.
Characters to notice
- Winston Churchill
Quoted for his doctrine that 'The way to make war impossible is to make victory certain,' which Angell critiques as impractical and provocative.
- Admiral Fisher
Cited for his aggressive rhetoric on British naval supremacy, which Angell uses as an example of assuming a monopoly on courage and persistence.
- General Bernhardi
Mentioned as an advocate for war as a regenerator of nations, whose arguments are strengthened by the cycle of armament increases.
- Frederic Harrison
Referenced for foreseeing a devastating attack on England, which Angell uses to justify self-defense measures.
- Lord Roberts
Mentioned in the context of a coadjutor discussing a large Naval Budget, representing the 'practical man' school of thought.
Key passages
“Not the facts, but men’s opinions about the facts, are what matter”
People's actions are guided by what they believe to be true, not necessarily by objective reality.
Angell uses this to argue that Europe's political conduct will only change when its beliefs about war change.
“The way to make war impossible is to make victory certain.”
Churchill's principle is that a nation can prevent war by being so strong that its victory is guaranteed.
Angell argues this is impractical because it can only be applied by one party and denies the other the right of defense.
“The process by which force tends to crush reason is, unhappily, cumulative and progressive.”
The use of force to answer arguments strengthens the position of militarists and silences critics, leading to a worsening spiral.
Angell describes the vicious circle where armament increases only reinforce the beliefs that make war more likely.