Francisco Ferrer Quotes
That which violence wins for us today, another act of violence may wrest from us tomorrow.
Francisco Ferrer, 1859-1909, Spanish Philosopher, The Modern School
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
He grossly underestimated the intensity of the American patriotic feeling and the fighting ability of the Colonists. He Commanded the Royal Marines at the Battle of Bunker Hill where he was killed by a shot fired by ex-slave and Black Patriot, Peter Salem. Note the recommendation to destroy towns. At the time, that was considered improper in warfare between nations, yet it was not so clear in fighting a rebellion. However, this was against British policy and it was not a tactic employed in trying to suppress the American Revolution.
Lev Davidovich Bronstein
Many radicals of the day argued that violence was a legitimate form of protest and self defense. Goldman urged then not to advocate violence because under the then existing law and practical considerations, that gave the law enforcement authorities the tools to persecute the dissidents.
The force used by the British in Massachusetts backfired in that after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, each of the colonies held meetings and most were not only supportive of resistance but as in this case, advocated violent resistance. The Revolution was on.
This was 8 years before the Russian Revolution.
Francisco Ferrer i Guàrdia (1859–1909) was a radical freethinker, anarchist, and educationist behind a network of secular, private, libertarian schools in and around Barcelona. His execution, following a revolt in Barcelona, propelled Ferrer into martyrdom and grew an international movement of radicals and libertarians, who established schools in his model and promoted his schooling approach.
