Part I — Smedley Butler: The Marine Who Exposed War as a Business
Major General Smedley D. Butler (1881–1940) stands as one of the most decorated officers in U.S. military history, having earned two Medals of Honor for his service in the Philippines and China. His career spanned over three decades, during which he participated in numerous military interventions across the globe. However, it was in his post-retirement years that Butler’s most profound contributions to American military discourse emerged.
In 1935, Butler published War Is a Racket, a short yet impactful book that critiques the financial motivations behind warfare. Drawing from his extensive experience, he argued that war was primarily a business venture for industrialists and financiers, rather than a noble endeavor for national defense. He wrote, “I spent thirty-three years… being a high-class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street, and for the bankers.” This candid admission highlighted the symbiotic relationship between military actions and corporate profits.
Butler’s critique was not limited to theoretical musings; he provided concrete examples from his own experiences. He detailed how U.S. military interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean often served the interests of American corporations, particularly in industries like fruit and mining. These interventions, he argued, were less about spreading democracy and more about protecting American economic interests.
Furthermore, Butler’s testimony before the U.S. Senate regarding the so-called “Business Plot” of 1934 added weight to his assertions. He claimed that a group of wealthy businessmen had attempted to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a fascist regime, using the military as a tool for their coup. While the plot was never fully substantiated, Butler’s willingness to speak out against powerful elites underscored his commitment to exposing the intertwining of military power and corporate greed.
In War Is a Racket, Butler proposed several reforms to curb the militarization of American foreign policy. He suggested conscripting the profits of war by taxing war-related industries heavily and using the funds for veterans’ benefits. He also advocated for limiting the military’s role to national defense, arguing that the U.S. should avoid entanglements in foreign conflicts that did not directly threaten its security.
Butler’s warnings resonate even today, as the U.S. continues to grapple with the complex relationship between military engagements and economic interests. His legacy serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in matters of national defense and foreign policy.
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This is Part 1 of a 3 part series. Links below become active as each segment is published and on the date indicated:
25 September: Part I — Smedley Butler: The Marine Who Exposed War as a Business
26 September: Part II — David Hackworth: The Soldier Who Challenged Military Orthodoxy
27 September: Part III — Anthony Zinni and Wesley Clark: Generals Who Warned of Empire
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