“War is a contagion.”
- January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
- American
- Politician
- [Achievements]
- As president of the United States, he promoted economic recovery from the Great Depression with the New Deal policy
- He led the Allied powers to victory in World War II
- [Criticism]
- His hard-line policy toward Japan triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor
- He pushed for the forced internment policy of Japanese Americans due to racist feelings toward the Japanese
- He promoted the Manhattan Project, a plan to develop the atomic bomb
table of contents
Quote
“War is a contagion.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt likens war to a disease or contagion, emphasizing its spread and its infectious nature. Roosevelt suggests that war, once it begins, can quickly spread beyond its initial borders, drawing in other nations and escalating into larger conflicts. Just as a virus spreads from one person to another, war can spread from one country to another, often with devastating consequences. Roosevelt’s use of the term contagion reflects his understanding of war’s capacity to destabilize regions, provoke further violence, and negatively impact global peace. It highlights the unpredictability and danger of conflict, and the urgency of taking steps to prevent it before it spreads further.
This quote also reflects Roosevelt’s desire to avoid global conflict, particularly in the lead-up to World War II. Despite the growing tensions in Europe and Asia, Roosevelt sought to keep the United States out of direct involvement in the war for as long as possible, believing that diplomacy and international cooperation were the best ways to contain the spread of violence. He recognized that once war had begun, it was difficult to contain, and the risks of escalation were high.
In today’s context, this quote is still relevant when discussing the global consequences of war. Conflicts, whether military, economic, or ideological, often have a ripple effect that can lead to broader instability, affecting neighboring countries and even distant regions. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East or the potential for proxy wars elsewhere highlight how war can have a contagious effect, drawing in multiple actors and threatening global security. Roosevelt’s words remind us that the consequences of war go far beyond the nations directly involved, and it is critical to prevent it from spreading in order to maintain international peace and stability.
