What are some key points and analysis of chapter 14 of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States?

"War is the
health of the state" is the title of chapter 14 in 's . The chapter
title was penned by Randolph Bourne (1886€“1918), an American author. Its main idea is that
nations and their wealthy rulers benefit from warfare.

Zinn writes a lot
about the horrific carnage of World War I (1914€“1918) in this chapter. Focusing on the
Anglo-French struggle against Germany, Zinn condemns the senseless loss of millions. The extent
of the slaughter was not publicized by the governments of the warring nations. In fact, Zinn
criticizes both politicians and the generals involved in this, especially Douglas Haig. Although
the governments tried to ignore the truth, Zinn points out that the mutiny of the French army
could not be kept secret.

Zinn criticizes President Woodrow Wilson. Wilson
chose sides early in the war by trading with the British and French. Wilson also authorized
loans to London, giving America a stake in the war's outcome. Zinn defends the Germans by
pointing out their right to sink the Lusitania, which was laden with
munitions.

When the United States officially entered the war in 1917, Zinn
argues, there was little patriotic fervor in America. The anti-war Socialists made electoral
gains. The government used a draft to enlist reluctant men. Propaganda was disseminated by
George Creel, a former journalist. The Espionage Act (1917) was used to crush dissenting
voices.

In this chapterand throughout his bookZinn emphasizes the importance
of social classes and the struggle between the oppressors and the oppressed.