In his memoir-like history The World Crisis, 1916–1918, he said of Wilson, What he did in April, 1917, could have been done in May, 1915. And if done then what abridgment of the slaughter; what sparing of the agony; what ruin, what catastrophes would have been prevented; in how many million homes would an empty chair be occupied today; how different would be the shattered world in which victors and vanquished alike are condemned to live!
In "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," Erik Larson reflects on the historical decisions made during World War I, specifically criticizing President Wilson's delay in entering the war. The author captures the sentiment that a timely intervention in 1915 could have drastically altered the course of history, potentially saving countless lives and preventing immense suffering. Larson emphasizes the grave consequences of inaction, suggesting that millions of families might have been spared from loss had decisions been made earlier.
Larson's poignant commentary underscores the devastation wrought by the war and the long-lasting effects on society. He conveys a sense of mourning for the lives lost and the families affected, highlighting how the conflict reshaped the world. The thought-provoking contrast between the theoretical outcomes of earlier intervention and the harsh realities faced by both victors and the vanquished illustrates the profound impact of leadership choices during critical moments in history.
