An Army is a collection of armed men obliged to obey one man. Every change in the rules which impairs the principle weakens the army.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
You people of the South don't know what you are doing. This country will be drenched in blood, and God only knows how it will end.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the uncertainty and peril of conflict, warning of the impending consequences of civil strife.
William Tecumseh Sherman expresses a deep concern for the future of the country, highlighting the tragic ignorance of those involved in the conflict. His statement serves as a dire warning about the potential for violence and the catastrophic outcomes that can arise when individuals fail to comprehend the gravity of their actions. It encapsulates the fear that a civil war could lead to widespread suffering and destruction, leaving the ultimate resolution shrouded in uncertainty.
Themes
ConflictBloodshedWarIgnoranceConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
During a historical discussion on the Civil War, this quote can illustrate the tragic reality of internal conflict.
More from William Tecumseh Sherman
All quotes →Every attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
I think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
The young bloods of the South: sons of planters, lawyers about towns, good billiard-players and sportsmen, men who never did any work and never will... They are splendid riders, first-rate shots and utterly reckless. These men must all be killed or employed by us before we can hope for peace.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
You people of the South don't know what you are doing. This country will be drenched in blood, and God only knows how it will end. It is all folly, madness, a crime against civilization! You people speak so lightly of war; you don't know what you're talking about.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
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