All Quiet on the Western Front

Describe how the following quote (193-194) reflects the theme of political power and Nationalism: “A word of command has made…and they at us if they were free.”

Chapter 8

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Paul also recognizes that politics alone make the Russians his enemy: "A word of command has made these silent figures our enemies; a word of command might transform them into our friends." Paul's anti-nationalist thoughts are as explicit as they have been: he is not angry, necessarily, but logical and rational in his conclusion that powerful men have made these simple peasants enemies.