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All Quiet On The Western Front

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All Quiet on the Western Front The rise of World War I caused millions of casualties and was yet another demonstration of how supposedly civilized nations could be led into a chaotic war of power over lands and people. Since the beginning of civilization, war has been the way of the world. However, with major advances in technology, this idea of war has since become mechanized and deadlier. There is no doubt that the powerful men who lead wars often don’t care to think of nitty gritty of war, to them, rather, it’s a matter of power and legacy. In Remarque’s novel, the particular story of Paul and his comrades is a perfect example of how a generation can be used and manipulated to drive the agenda of power- hungry men. Through Remarque’s own personal experience and unparalleled writing ability, this novel presents many first-hand experiences into the living conditions of soldiers and peoples. “We loved our country as much as they; we went courageously into every action; but also we distinguished the false from the true, we had suddenly learned to see. And we saw that there was nothing of their world left” (Remarque, 13). From the top of the pyramid to the youth of the nation were imposed nationalistic ideals. Through teachers and parents, young kids in high school were taught to be patriotic. Peer pressure didn’t help, for to decline service of their country was to be ostracized from their peers. Paul learned quickly that the idea of patriotism and military service was

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