Why We Fight and The Truth About War

Flashcards covering the reasons for war, the experiences of soldiers, and the shift in war representation.

Letter from Albert Einstein to Sigmund Freud

A letter written by Albert Einstein to Sigmund Freud six months before Hitler became chancellor of Germany, questioning how to deliver mankind from the menace of war.

Why We Fight

The manipulation of public opinion by rulers and their arms-merchant cronies to instigate war.

Propaganda in War

The ability of a government to use propaganda and appeals to patriotism to generate support for war efforts.

Sigmund Freud Response on War

Freud's belief that men are programmed to settle conflicts by fighting, with violent compulsions only counterbalanced by ties of sentiment within narrow bounds.

Male Aggression in War

The idea that male aggression is easily aroused and leads to intergroup violence.

Blattman: No Good or Bad Leaders

The concept that leaders are either constrained or unconstrained, influencing their decisions about war and peace.

The Cause of Peace (Blattman)

Achieved through institutional constraints and slow thinking, including interdependence, checks and balances, rules and enforcement, and interventions.

Traditional War Narratives

Historically focused on emperors, generals, and heroes, often hiding the misery and experiences of ordinary soldiers.

The Battle of White Mountain by Pieter Snayers

A painting by Pieter Snayers depicting a Catholic victory in the Thirty Years War, emphasizing units, armaments, and positions rather than soldiers' experiences.

Old Look at War

Historically, representations of war focused on gods, emperors, generals, and great heroes.

New Look at War

Increasingly focuses on the common soldier and their experiences, with painters depicting how they feel.

That 2,000 Yard Stare by Tom Lea

A painting by Tom Lea depicting the emotional impact of war on soldiers.

Otto Dix

A painter who, like Lea, wants us to perceive war as an emotional phenomenon and understand how it feels.