4 ms·
He came from generations of influential Quaker's (pacifists) but defied his father in signing up for the Spanish-American war before he left school. He lied ab
by w10-1 3y ago
He came from generations of influential Quaker's (pacifists) but defied his father in signing up for the Spanish-American war before he left school. He lied about his age to be commissioned as an officer.
It's no surprise the military didn't meet his idealistic expectations.
His awards were probably not legitimate. At the time, his father was the chair of the House Naval Affairs Committee, overseeing the budget of the Marines. E.g., one award was for a spy mission that consisted of taking a train incognito into Mexico.
His claims in "War is a racket" were designed to elevate his reputation as a truth-teller and good guy, an unwitting accomplice.
- mrguyorama 3y agoI don't think the world gives the US enough flak for the Spanish-American war. It was an invented war to steal territory. No wonder he became cynical.