In the August 1914 issue of the Socialist Standard these words appeared,
‘A writer in the “Daily Chronicle” (29/7/14) outlining the probable results of the threatened war says:
. Let us all, whatever our party, stand together and do what we can to avert this coming disaster."
Tom Sala
https://socialiststandardmyspace.blogspot.com/search/label/August%201914
On the 4th August 1914 Britain declared war on Germany. Unfortunately, the propaganda machine of many states ensured that the various national working classes of many countries went out and for the next four years engaged in industrial slaughter of each other on behalf of their capitalist masters.
‘The total number of military and civilian casualties in World War I was about 40 million, with estimates ranging from around 15 to 22 million deaths and about 23 million wounded military personnel, ranking it among the deadliest conflicts in human history. The total number of deaths includes between 9 and 11 million military personnel, with an estimated civilian death toll of about 6 to 13 million.
Of the 60 million European military personnel who were mobilised from 1914 to 1918, an estimated 8 million were killed, 7 million were permanently disabled, and 15 million were seriously injured. Germany lost 15.1% of its active male population, Austria-Hungary lost 17.1%, and France lost 10.5%. The human cost of the war left the world with millions of casualties prompting leaders to create new memorials for the deceased.’
Internet’s response to the question of casualties.
Later in the twentieth century, capitalism repeated its deadly game. Following the end of the second lethal conflict there continued to be almost permanent ‘minor’ conflicts up to the present day. ‘Minor’ being a relative term given the events that occurred in places like Vietnam and West Asia.
We are presently in a situation where a bellicose and belligerent USA, supported by Western European countries, is threatening to go to war with another nuclear power state.
Following on from SOYMB ’Three Generals’, https://socialismoryourmoneyback.blogspot.com/2025/07/three-generals.html
we now have another American General, Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO Supreme Commander, issuing war-ridden statements that in a rational twenty first society should have mental health professionals treating him for articulating delusions, shared by many in various positions of power, that, if translated into actions would have devastating consequences for the whole of the world.
Upon reflection we have perhaps been too unkind to this General. Our comments are more apposite when applied to the present President of the United States.
Grynkewich says that by 2027 Russia could attack Europe whilst in coordination China could launch military action in the Pacific.
The report says that he, ‘emphasised the need for closer military collaboration with industry and the need for companies to develop systems at a faster pace. Grynkewich said a key focus for him also will be making sure that NATO allies are keeping up with recent pledges to increase defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product and that those increased investments are directed toward the right military priorities.
“Time is of the essence, and I intend to keep highlighting that and letting everyone know that we’ve got to move out and we’ve got to move quickly,” he said.’
One wonders if he, and the previous three Generals referenced have ever read Major General Smedley Darlington Butler’s ‘War is a Racket’ where he says he eventually realised that he had been used as a racketeer on behalf of capitalism..
In response to a ‘mean tweet’ from Dmitry Medvedev a former President of Russia Donald Trump has announced the moving of two American nuclear submarines closer to Russia.
‘Ohio-class submarine: A class of nuclear-powered submarines used by the United States Navy, consisting of 18 vessels in total, including 14 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and four guided missile submarines (SSGNs) converted from the original SSBNs These submarines are the largest ever built for the U.S. Navy, measuring 560 feet (170 meters) in length and displacing 18,750 tons when submerged They form the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, providing a secure second-strike capability and carrying approximately half of the U.S. active strategic thermonuclear warheads The SSBNs are armed with up to 20 Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), each capable of delivering multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) with a range exceeding 6,100 nautical miles . The four SSGNs, following conversion, can carry up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles and support special operations forces, including up to 66 Navy SEALs. Internet.
Launch time from submarine to impact in Russia, twenty minutes.
Medvedev reminded Trump of Russia’s ‘Dead Hand’ system.
‘Russia's "Dead Hand," officially known as the Perimeter system, is a Cold War-era automatic or semi-automatic nuclear weapons control system developed by the Soviet Union to ensure a retaliatory nuclear strike even if the country's leadership was destroyed in a first strike. The system is designed to detect a nuclear attack through seismic, radiation, light, and pressure sensors, and if communication links with top military command are severed, it can initiate the launch of Russia's intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The system is reportedly activated during times of crisis and is said to be capable of sending launch orders via command rockets flying over the country, even in the presence of radio jamming. While some sources suggest it operates fully automatically, more recent accounts indicate it is likely semi-automatic, requiring some level of human approval after activation.
The system's core is believed to be located in deep underground bunkers south of Moscow and at backup sites. It was reportedly brought online in 1985 and remains in use by the Russian Federation. The system is a key component of the doctrine of mutually assured destruction, ensuring a retaliatory response to a decapitating strike. Despite some scepticism about its existence and functionality, Russian officials have confirmed its existence, with General Sergey Karakaev stating in 2011 that the U.S. could be destroyed in 30 minutes if the system were activated. The system has been reported to be upgraded to include radar early warning systems and Russia's new hypersonic missiles.’ Internet.
As of January 2025 the Doomsday Clock- Bulletin of Atomic Scientists is set at eighty nine seconds. What will it perceived to be on its next reset?
Capitalism, more than it has ever done, represents an existential threat to every man, woman and child on the planet.
The words from the August 1914 Socialist Standard are more relevant than ever., ‘perhaps the working classes, hitherto so loyal and patriotic, will turn savagely against the powers that be.’
How much longer before we all recognise where our collective interest lies and we abolish capitalism for ever before capitalism abolishes us?
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