The worker is the slave of capitalist society, the female worker is the slave of that slave.
James ConnollyRead
All these mountains of Irish dead, all these corpses mangled beyond recognition, all these arms, legs, eyes, ears, fingers, toes, hands, all these shivering putrefying bodies and portions of bodies once warm living and tender parts of Irish men and youths - all these horrors in Flanders or the Gallipoli Peninsula, are all items in the price Ireland pays for being part of the British Empire.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the devastating human cost of war and colonialism, particularly highlighting the sacrifices made by the Irish in service to the British Empire.
James Connolly's quote serves as a stark reminder of the immense human toll that accompanies imperialistic endeavors and warfare. He emphasizes the tragic loss of life and the gruesome reality faced by soldiers, illustrating that the price paid by Ireland for its association with the British Empire includes not just the physical bodies of its men, but the pain and suffering that results from conflict. This commentary serves as a powerful critique of imperialism and foresight into the long-lasting impact of such historical actions on nations and their people.
Themes
IrishEmpireWarSacrificeHistoryColonialism
In practice
Example use cases
During a history class discussion about the impact of war on nations.
More from James Connolly
All quotes →The Irish Republic must be made a word to conjure with - a rallying point for the disaffected, a haven for the oppressed, a point of departure for the socialist, enthusiastic in the cause of human freedom.
James ConnollyRead
If you remove the English Army tomorrow and hoist the green flag over Dublin Castle., unless you set about the organization of the Socialist Republic your efforts will be in vain. England will still rule you. She would rule you through her capitalists, through her landlords, through her financiers, through the whole array of commercial and individualist institutions she has planted in this country and watered with the tears of our mothers and the blood of our martyrs
James ConnollyRead
If you remove the English army to-morrow and hoist the green flag over Dublin Castle, unless you set about the organisation of the Socialist Republic your efforts would be in vain.
James ConnollyRead
Whoop it up for liberty! After Ireland is free, says the patriot who won't touch socialism, we will protect all classes, and if you won't pay your rent you will be evicted same as now. But the evicting party, under command of the sheriff, will wear green uniforms and the Harp without the Crown, and the warrant turning you out on the roadside will be stamped with the arms of the Irish Republic. Now, isn't that worth fighting for?
James ConnollyRead
There can be no perfect Europe in which Ireland is denied even the least of its national rights.
James ConnollyRead
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