Generally speaking, it is no longer the ambition of monarchs which endangers peace; but the impulses of a nation, its dissatisfaction with its intern… - Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

" "

Generally speaking, it is no longer the ambition of monarchs which endangers peace; but the impulses of a nation, its dissatisfaction with its internal conditions, the strife of parties and the intrigues of their leaders. A declaration of war, so serious in its consequences, is more easily carried by a large assembly, of which no one of the members bears the sole responsibility, than by a single individual, however lofty his position; and a peace-loving sovereign is less rare than a parliament composed of wise men. The great wars of recent times have been declared against the wish and will of the reigning powers. Now-a-days

English
Collect this quote

About Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Field Marshal Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke (26 October 1800 – 24 April 1891) was Chief of Staff of the Prussian General Staff from 1857 to 1871 and then of the Great General Staff (GGS) from 1871 to 1888. He was an architect of Germany's Wars of Unification (1864–71). He is often referred to as Moltke the Elder to distinguish him from his nephew, Helmuth Johann Ludwig von Moltke.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Native Name: Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke
Alternative Names: Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke H. K. B. von Moltke Count von Moltke Count Helmuth von Moltke
Go Premium

Support Quotewise while enjoying an ad-free experience and premium features.

View Plans

Related quotes. More quotes will automatically load as you scroll down, or you can use the load more buttons.

Additional quotes by Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Eternal peace is a dream — and not even a beautiful one.

Limited Time Offer

Premium members can get their quote collection automatically imported into their Quotewise collections.

Loading...