Patriotism, War, and Why We Fight

Patriotism is a powerful force that compels men and women to give full support to their government in time of war. But patriotism and loyalty are largely based on the belief that one has a personal stake in the outcome. This brief study, which examines men and women who made war their prime call of duty for real or perceived patriotic reasons, contains the introduction and first chapter of the full analysis of war volunteering titled, For God, Gold, and Glory: A History of Military Service and Man’s Search for Power, Wealth and Adventure (also by Martina Sprague), which sheds light on those individuals who commit their lives to armed service for reasons related to patriotism, financial gain, adventure, and heroism.