7. France At War- On the Frontier of Civilization
In 1915, as the Great War (World War I) entered its second year, Rudyard Kipling embarked on a journalistic
journey to the front lines, immersing himself in the experiences of the French armed forces. At this point in history, Kipling had already been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, becoming the first English writer to receive such an honor. His observations, published in articles for the Daily Telegraph and the New York Sun, reflect a time when nationalistic fervor was at its peak, yet the grim realities of war were starting to resonate back home. The collection opens with a poem titled France, penned in 1913, which captures Kiplings fervent patriotism but contrasts sharply with the sobering reflections on warfare he later shares. An ardent critic of German brutality, Kipling viewed the total war of the era as a betrayal of civilization itself. His passionate writing is rooted in his own background—having been educated at the United Services College, a prestigious institution for future military leaders. Despite not being a soldier himself, Kipling held military service in high regard and encouraged his son John to enlist, even leveraging his connections to secure Johns enlistment despite his poor eyesight. Tragically, John died just ten days after the publication of Kiplings articles. Today, as we reflect on Kiplings legacy as a figure of British imperialism and jingoism, his account remains a poignant lens through which we can examine our ancestors wartime experiences. (Summary by Tim Bulkeley)
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