"At first the English were very surprised by our disregarding the Hague Convention. But from 1916 onward they used at least as much poison as we did"

Otto Hahn's quote is referring to the use of poison gas throughout World War I. At the start of the war, the English were shocked that the Germans were using toxin gas, as it was in infraction of the Hague Convention. However, as the war progressed, the English started to utilize poison gas also, and by 1916, they were using it simply as much as the Germans. This quote highlights the brutality of World War I, and how the use of poison gas was a significant factor in the conflict. It likewise demonstrates how the war altered the rules of engagement, as the use of poison gas was an infraction of the Hague Convention. This quote functions as a suggestion of the disastrous impacts of war, and how it can result in a disregard for international law.