“More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginning of all wars – yes, an end to this brutal, inhuman and thoroughly impractical method of settling the differences between governments.”
- 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
“More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginning of all wars – yes, an end to this brutal, inhuman and thoroughly impractical method of settling the differences between governments.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt advocates not just for the cessation of war but for the elimination of the very institutionalized violence that leads to war. He critiques war as a brutal, inhumane, and inefficient means of resolving disputes between nations. Roosevelt is calling for a fundamental shift in how countries interact with each other, pushing for diplomatic, peaceful methods to handle conflict rather than resorting to military force. He stresses the idea that war is an impractical solution to political differences, implying that it creates more problems than it solves, such as loss of life, economic destruction, and long-term instability.
This quote reflects Roosevelt’s commitment to global peace and his belief in the potential of international cooperation. At the time, he was seeking to create lasting structures for peace, such as the United Nations, which was envisioned as a forum where countries could address conflicts through dialogue and negotiation rather than military action. Roosevelt was determined to establish an international order where war was no longer seen as an acceptable or viable means of resolving differences.
In modern times, this quote remains highly relevant, especially as we face global challenges like armed conflict, terrorism, and political tension. The idea that the root causes of war—such as political disputes, ideological conflicts, or economic inequalities—should be addressed through peaceful diplomacy and conflict resolution is at the heart of international relations today. Roosevelt’s words remind us that lasting peace is not just about ending wars but about building systems and institutions that prevent the escalation of conflict and promote understanding and cooperation among nations.
