Bismarck v Lincoln

Interesting opinions on war.  Are they contradictory?

'Why do great states go to war?  The only good reason is state egoism, not romantic ideas.  It is not worthy for a great state to fight for something which is not in its own interest'.
Bismarck's speech to the Prussian Landtag on the Olmütz Agreement, 3 December 1850

'The central idea pervading this struggle is the necessity that is upon us, of proving that popular government is not an absurdity'.
Lincoln to John Hay, 1861

Cause and Effect

One recurring point of discussion is that of cause and effect.  What are the major factors driving historical change?  Recently historians have tended to focus on social issues.  And there is also important research being conducted on groups and movements that have otherwise been marginalised--in politics, society, or the historical record.  Another approach worth considering, and indeed one that has exerted influence in the past, is that put forward by MacKinder in his book, the Geographical Pivot of History.  See below for a relevant extract from page 422.

German Invasion

On the 21st of December 1914, Poultney Bigelow wrote to the New York Times to urge America to adopt a different course in regard to affairs in Europe.  His argument rests on intriguing historical parallels and a familiar nineteenth century doctrine.

The Answering-Drum

Theodore Roosevelt's swashbuckling account of the Spanish-American War opens with an untitled poem by the American writer, Bret Harte.  In three verses the major themes of American foreign policy during the Age of Imperialism are well presented.  The seemingly inevitable inclusion of America with the established European Powers.  The great price of imperial ambition.  The moral confusion.  And finally, the critical aspect which is so often ignored: the profound gloom.

For an important comparison, consider Kipling's 'White Man's Burden,' a work which is known to have influenced Roosevelt.  There is a strikingly similar imperial vision.

Tristan & Isolde

A story of a fateful unification, this opera was composed in the late 1850s and premiered in Munich in 1865.  Here is the Prelude.

This era also coincides with Ardant du Picq's career, the soldier and strategist described in Possony's article in Makers of Modern Strategy.  Du Picq strongly endorsed Marshal de Saxe's belief that 'the human heart is the starting point in all matters pertaining to war'.

Crimson Tide

An exchange between Gene and Denzel that leads to Clausewitz.

For more see this website: http://www.clausewitz.com/mobile/cvideos.htm

Mackinder Protests

In a short letter to the editor of the Times, Halford Mackinder contrasts history and geography, agreeing that they are sisters but not 'siamese twins' (9 February 1905).  His response helps to better understand the way in which he uses geography to understand history and strategy.