"The idea that a war can be won by standing on the defensive and waiting for the enemy to attack is a dangerous fallacy, which owes its inception to the desire to evade the price of victory"
- Douglas Haig
About this Quote
Douglas Haig was a British armed forces leader that served as the commander of the British Expeditionary Pressure throughout World War. The quote in question shows Haig's idea that a protective strategy in warfare is eventually inefficient which the very best means to attain victory is to take a hostile strategy and proactively involve the opponent.
Haig's sights were influenced by the experiences of World War I, during which he saw firsthand the destructive results of trench war and the delay that it created. Instead of just awaiting the opponent to strike, Haig believed that it was needed to take the fight to the enemy and also to be positive in seeking as well as involving them.
Haig's belief in the relevance of offending methods was controversial at the time, as numerous other military leaders favored a defensive method to war. Nonetheless, he continued to be committed to his idea in the value of aggressive tactics throughout the battle, as well as his leadership played a considerable function in the ultimate victory of the Allied powers.
"When the principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then the battle is your calling, and peace has become sin. You must at the price of dearest peace lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy with all the fire of your faith"