“Don’t forget what I discovered that over ninety percent of all national deficits from 1921 to 1939 were caused by payments for past, present, and future wars.”
- 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
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Quote
“Don’t forget what I discovered that over ninety percent of all national deficits from 1921 to 1939 were caused by payments for past, present, and future wars.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt draws attention to the significant economic burden that military spending and the costs of war have placed on the nation’s finances. He highlights that a large percentage of the national deficits from 1921 to 1939—an era spanning the aftermath of World War I and the lead-up to World War II—were primarily caused by the financial obligations associated with wars. Roosevelt’s point is that wars, both ongoing and historical, require enormous resources to fund, and these costs often have long-term economic consequences. The quote reflects his awareness of the economic impact of war, including not just the direct costs of conflict but also the ongoing expenses of veterans’ benefits, military pensions, and the maintenance of military infrastructure.
Roosevelt’s statement is a reminder of the economic toll that war can take on a country. It speaks to the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of these financial costs, often through higher taxes, reduced social programs, and increased national debt. During Roosevelt’s presidency, the economic challenges of the Great Depression were compounded by the realities of an economy that was already burdened by war-related debt. His words also reflect his desire to focus on economic recovery and to shift attention away from the financial strain of past conflicts in favor of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Americans.
In the modern context, this quote is still relevant as it raises questions about the long-term costs of military spending and the financial sustainability of prolonged conflicts. The impact of war on national economies, particularly through deficits and debt, remains a critical issue in discussions about government spending, military engagement, and the trade-offs between national security and domestic welfare. Roosevelt’s words remind us of the importance of considering the economic consequences of war and the need for careful financial planning in both peacetime and wartime.
