In general, the thesis in this essay is that a country’s peace as well as its ability to defend itself is only possible through industry. During times of peace, the workers who normal labor in agriculture would have time to indulge in luxury and become well-versed in the arts and fine culture. However, if the peace was shattered, these same laborers would comprise the military. The book discusses these ideas as they relate to issues of foreign trade and assumes that vital trade across borders will not only allow for better culture and luxuries but foreign trade would have the added benefit of increasing the possibility for industry and thus this would also strengthen the military by adding more members.
