Fighting Spirit Quotes
Scipio Africanus Major
Japan and 7 Western countries had sent military troops to China ostensibly to protect “foreigners” who were the victims of the irrational violence of the Boxer Rebellion--{641726} and {641727}. The Chinese government was unwilling and/or unable to suppress the Boxers--{641838}. Regardless of the justification, this was an act of war—an invasion contrary to international law. The Chinese national forces were not only too weak to take on the Boxers but were no match for the 8 powers’ well equipped military forces. None-the-less, the Empress decided to fight. In the early fighting the Chinese Imperial forces killed the German Minister to China, Baron von Ketteler, thus precipitating full scale war.
The Shakers were an American religion and pacifists Lincoln learned. He was so impressed with their sincerity and way of life that he exempted Shaker men from the draft—the first conscientious objectors formally recognized in America. However, Lincoln made the statement to the Shakers which greatly impressed them and caused much reflection. Quakers had been pacifists also, but until the Civil War Draft there was no mechanism to test.
This is one of the great examples of putting positive spin on a negative situation.
