The slaughter of young men, however, was not the ultimate purpose of the First World War. The ultimate purpose was what occurred  subsequent to the slaughter.

The final step of the war--its conclusion--was the creation of memorials to the dead--many of which were erected even before the war had ended.

The purpose of these memorials was to honor the soldiers that had died for their countries.

These crosses were erected as testimonials—stood as proof that young men had contributed to the cause of their nation.

What was this cause? The cause was the nation itself. The crosses stand to verify the existence of nations: to fill the social constructions with flesh and blood. To validate the greatness of one's nation—for which each soldier had given his life.

Richard Koenigsberg
rak@libraryofsocialscience.com