Tuesday, October 18, 2016
What was a human life worth in WW1?
In World War 1, many people signed up to serve and many others were drafted. Close to 5 million men served during the war. They were asked to join a crusade and make the world safe for democracy, even if they had to sacrifice their life. Over 50,000 American men died during WW1. The soldiers themselves were fatalistic and realized their lives were expendable. Some compared themselves to currency that the government was willing to spend. I think that this is not how human life should be seen. But what do you think? Is this right? Should people be seen as just an expense for a greater cause or do individual lives matter?
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I think of course individual lives matter, and war is a horrible thing for what it does to people. A huge amount of soldiers experience PTSD and other mental or physical injuries after war. While some people did fight for an honorable cause, others did not know what they were getting into, or were pressured into fighting in the war.
ReplyDeleteI think that all people's lives matter, but during war, people have to die, and we have to come to terms with that. War isn't war without killing.
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ReplyDeleteI think it's bad that people die in war, but I think all of the horrible things in war also have a good effect in a way, because if wars weren't horrible, then people would be less likely to want to avoid wars. If wars are horrible for soldiers, people won't want to go to war, which can help save lives.
ReplyDeleteI agree with James that it is wrong for others to view lives as expendable. But the issue with this argument is that if one does decide to sign up and enlist for a war, you are essentially giving your life to protect your country. And if someone is willing to risk their life for their country they shouldn't criticize how their country handles the troops.
ReplyDeleteTo say that individual lives do not matter is morally wrong; I believe this is what every country involved should have considered before officially declaring war. Greater emphasis on the loss of lives and value of lives, especially in a large-scale war such as WWI, would have been a greater incentive in preventing the war entirely.
ReplyDeleteI feel like it is difficult to decide. After all, anyone's life, especially someone who is willing to put their country in front of them is extremely valuable. But at the same time, countries have to look at the big picture of war; the reality of war is that many will not survive. Thus, I feel like many countries should be more cautious about entering war, as it is not somethings to be taken lightly.
ReplyDeleteFrom a military standpoint, the loss of around 50,000 men is well worth the benefits of lasting peace. I feel like the US Government was almost tricking people into believing that their sacrifices would be greatly valued, when in reality the soldiers were only being used as mere pawns of the higher ups.
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