I would never invade the United States, there would be a gun behind every blade of grass.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Yamamoto believed invading the US was impossible due to the density of civilian resistance.
- In plain terms
- He thought invading America was impossible because of the citizens.
- What can you take from it?
- Civilian resistance can be a decisive factor in strategic planning.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does population affect invasion?
- When is territory undefendable?
Another view
It assumes civilians would actively engage rather than submit.
More from Isoroku Yamamoto
In the first six to twelve months of a war with the United States and Great Britain I will run wild and win victory upon victory. But then, if the war continue…
Permalink to quote #2 I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.
Permalink to quote #4 A military man can scarcely pride himself on having 'smitten a sleeping enemy'; it is more a matter of shame, simply, for the one smitten. I would rather you m…
Permalink to quote #1
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