I understand the context of the quote and I'm pointing out it immediately breaks down.
I don't think you understand the context of the quote at all, this is also the exact opposite of what the quote implies.
And to say those were the hard times conversely states that prior to that were the so-called 'good times.' This might be generalized as the roaring 20s in the US (and similarly for Weimar Germany.) However, this generalization fails in two regards: 1) contrary to popular belief, the roaring 20s weren't roaring for most people in the US (or Germany). 2nd) the members of both eras were primarily composed of the same individuals; there is no distinct line of generations divided by 'good times/bad times.'
Lastly it implies that by definition all 'good times' are predicated upon holocaust.
EDIT: And that strength can only be continually cultivated through perpetual war.
1. Hard times (e.g. the Depression and WWII) bred the strong people of the Greatest Generation.
2. These strong people brought the prosperity that let to the good times of the Baby Boomer generation.
Leave it up to you to determine what kind of times Baby Boomers have brought.