The Spectator Magazine

Articles from The Spectator Magazine

The U.S. Marines Land ”Over There” (The Spectator, 1918)

A British journalist encountered the United States Marine Corps and found them to be an impressive curiosity that spoke an odd, nautical language. One Marine in particular was singled out and, although anonymous some of you will recognize right away that he could only be one man: Sergeant Dan Daily of the Fifth Marines.


Click here to read about the high desertion rate within the U.S. Army of 1910.

The U.S. Marines Land ”Over There” (The Spectator, 1918) Read More »

Winston Churchill and the Mesopotamia Occupation (The Spectator, 1921)

Mesopotamia should be placed in the same file as Gallipoli, along with all the other various assorted fantasies conceived by his Lordship. Mr. Churchill hopes to avert any fresh rising by setting up an Arab Government. The people are to elect a National Assembly this summer, and the Assembly is to choose a ruler…Mr. Churchill admits that that he does not know whether the people of [Iraq], who are rent with tribal, sectarian, racial, and economic feuds, will choose the Emir Feisul.

Click here to read about Churchill’s other folly: the Battle of Gallipoli.

Winston Churchill and the Mesopotamia Occupation (The Spectator, 1921) Read More »

Anticipating the American Century (The Spectator, 1921)

Attached is a review of The American Era by H.H. Powers. The reviewer disputes the author’s argument that the First World War made Britain a weaker nation:

Mr. Powers’ interpretation of the war and it’s squeals is that the Anglo-Saxon idea, having triumphed, will set the tone for the whole world. He also believes that the real depository and expositor of this idea in the future must be America. Britain, he thinks,in spite of her great geographical gains from the war– he considerately exaggerates these, has sung her swan song of leadership.


A similar article about American power can be read here.

Anticipating the American Century (The Spectator, 1921) Read More »

A Post-War Study of British Conscientious Objectors (The Spectator, 1922)

Conscription and Consciencestyle=border:none by John W. Graham is very briefly reviewed here; the summation provides some fast facts on the history of British conscientious objectors during World War One, yet tactfully fails to mention that during the course of the war, the British Army ordered 306 conscientious objectors be shot at dawn. In 2006 the British government pardoned them; just in time.

A Post-War Study of British Conscientious Objectors (The Spectator, 1922) Read More »