35 Quotes by Gustav Stresemann

Historians still often see the end of the war as meaning nothing more for Germany than lost territories, lost participation in colonization, and lost assets for the state and individuals. They frequently overlook the most serious loss that Germany suffered.

This old Germany was partly defeated in its conflict with the progressive ideas of socialism, for it had given the people nothing that could serve as a successful alternative to socialism.

As a consequence of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the officer corps of the old army became part of this class, as did that part of the younger generation who, in the old Germany, would have become officers or civil servants.

As a result of the World War, this old Germany collapsed. It collapsed in its constitution, in its social order, in its economic structure. Its thinking and feeling changed.

To contrast national solidarity and international cooperation as two opposites seems foolish to me.

The history of nations shows that words are not always immediately followed by action.

Just as the child is father to the man, so the impressions of one's youth remain the most vivid in manhood.

The great men of a nation reach out to all mankind. They are unifying, not divisive; internationally conciliating and still great nationally.

If one seeks to analyze experiences and reactions to the first postwar years, I hope one may say without being accused of bias that it is easier for the victor than for the vanquished to advocate peace.