Final answer:
1. Kantorek, the schoolmaster, is the one who refers to his former students as the 'Iron Youth', which exemplifies the tragic irony of the glorification of war against its actual brutal realities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "Iron Youth" is used by Kantorek, the schoolmaster, to describe his former students who have been enlisted in the German army during World War I. Kantorek's use of this phrase is heavily ironic, as the young men are subjected to the harsh realities of war, which are vastly different from the glorious image he painted for them. Therefore, the correct answer to the question of who calls the men the "Iron Youth" is 1) Kantorek.
In Erich Maria Remarque's novel 'All Quiet on the Western Front,' the men of the army are referred to as the 'Iron Youth.' The soldiers themselves use this term to describe their generation, emphasizing their youthful resilience, strength, and determination in the face of war. This term signifies the physical and mental fortitude of the soldiers and reflects the harsh realities of warfare.
In this case, the correct answer is not provided in the options provided. The 'Iron Youth' is a term used collectively by the soldiers and is not attributed to any specific character, such as Kantorek, Himmelstoss, Paul's father, or Tjaden.