Eren Jaeger's plan to save Paradis has begun. He has released all of the Colossal Titans within the Walls and begun a march to kill everyone outside of Paradis. The Rumbling is currently in the process of flattening the world. A debate over the ethics and effectiveness of the Rumbling has been sparked both within the universe of Attack on Titan and within the fandom.
Fan's that agree with Eren's plan will often claim that the previous commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin Smith, would have supported the Rumbling if he was still alive. Erwin was best known for his willingness to sacrifice soldiers in order to obtain victory. On its face, it makes sense that Erwin would possibly think that the Rumbling was necessary, but the current commander, Hange Zoe, claims otherwise. In the most recent episode, "Night of the End," Hange tells Jean that none of their fallen comrades, including Erwin, would have agreed with global genocide. So who is right about Erwin, the fans, or Hange?
Erwin Himself Sacrificed For Humanity
It's important to remember that Erwin died before learning that there were other humans outside of Paradis or that he was an Eldian. It's impossible to truly say how that information would have affected Erwin's worldview. The best anyone can do is review Erwin's personality and actions to make an educated guess on what he would do if he was alive today.
At the beginning of Attack on Titan, the Survey Corps existed to secure freedom for humanity. They didn't fight for any particular class of people or any specific district. The Survey Corps wanted all of humanity to be able to live freely, and Erwin embodied that ideal during his time as commander. Erwin performed a coup on the government because he knew they were willing to sacrifice civilians to secure their own wealth and power.
Every time that Erwin ordered soldiers to die, it was always because he believed that it was humanity's best chance at victory. Erwin also showed that he was even willing to put his friends in dangerous situations if it meant his goals would be achieved. Even when his lifelong dream of knowing the truth about the world was within reach, Erwin chose to sacrifice himself instead of selfishly pursuing it. Although he often questioned his own motives at times, Erwin died fighting for humanity.
Is Hange Right About Erwin?
Hange was one of Erwin's closest companions and the person he trusted to lead the Survey Corps after he died. Hange, along with Levi, knew Erwin better than anyone else, which gives their statement that he would be against the Rumbling has weight. As Erwin's replacement, they would have the best understanding of his position and be able to see things from his perspective.
Just like Erwin, Hange is haunted by the deaths of their comrades. Erwin was plagued with guilt over his part in their deaths, and as the new commander, Hange understands that guilt. When Hange is trying to convince Jean to help save the world, they talk about feeling all of their dead comrades watching them, waiting to see what they will do with their sacrifices. Erwin experienced the same thing right before his death as well.
It was the judgment of the dead that motivated Erwin to sacrifice himself. He knew that all of his comrades had died hoping that their deaths would benefit humanity. As commander, Erwin understood that it was his duty to ensure that those deaths meant something even if it meant giving up on his personal dreams. This is why Hange is so confident that Erwin would be against the Rumbling. Their friends died to protect all of humanity, not just Paradis or the Eldians.
Erwin Fought For Freedom
Erwin was a pragmatic leader whose plans often got his fellow soldiers killed. Trading lives for victory is nothing new for him, but he never did it callously. When he risked the lives of his soldiers, he always did it so that a greater number of people could live. He understood that his life and the lives of his soldiers were insignificant compared to the freedom of humanity.
Every member of the Survey Corps made an oath to protect humanity with their lives. Hundreds of members of the Corp died without even knowing the truth about Paradis. Whether or not that information would have changed their minds, they still sacrificed themselves for humanity as a whole. Destroying the world to save a single island is spitting in the face of that sacrifice. Hange understands this, and they know that Erwin would as well.
