Must We Arm? A spirited 1915 debate on national security, war, and arms policy.
This facsimile of a public meeting records the famous Carnegie Hall debate on whether the United States should increase its military strength, held under the Rand School of Social Science and featuring Congressman Augustus P. Gardner and Morris Hillquit. The discussion puts readers at the center of a pivotal moment in American politics and foreign policy.
- Follow the clash of two prominent voices as they argue for and against armed preparedness in a world on the brink of global conflict.
- See how the debaters frame military power, national security, and the idea of “peace insurance” in the context of early 20th‑century geopolitics.
- Learn how the event was organized, with introductions, a formal chair, and mindful attempts to present two sides for a broad audience.
- Get a window into the historical debate over militarism, pacifism, and the role of public opinion in shaping policy.
Ideal for readers of history, political science, and socialist-era perspectives who want to understand how early 1900s debates shaped American views on defense and peace.