War: Savior or Destructor for Society?

War has been interwoven into society since the beginning of time. Causes of war include greed, necessity, differing ideals as well as a constant division of beliefs. Looking at how wars impacted societies in the ancient times has drawn many conclusions and comparisons to the impacts of wars in modern society.

The haves and have nots were as prevalent and noticeable in ancient time as they are today. Although the royal families and wealthy individuals weren’t driving down the street in a Tesla Roadster (or gold horse drawn carriage?) the productiveness of land utilization was a key factor in the wealth of an individual. According to the Thucydides reading, For the productiveness of the land increased the power of individuals; this in turn was a source of quarrels by which communities were ruined, while at the same time they were more exposed to attacks from without.” Those who were wealthy (with land and farming capabilities) had a target on their back from outside invaders who needed those resources. The ability to be self sustaining was as coveted as an iPhone X.

The game changer for war began along the coast where the economical impacts were being seen. Coastal towns were gaining wealth and could support both offensively and defensively against enemies. Later in the Thucydides article it is stated, “The coast population now began to apply themselves more closely to the acquisition of wealth, and their life became more settled; some even began to build themselves walls on the strength of their newly acquired riches.” I think this concept of wealth and military power still hold true, for the most part, to this day. The United States is claimed to be the richest nation in the world and has the worlds most powerful military to support this. On the flip side, I think it is worth noting that Iraq and Afghanistan has virtually no economy but was still able to hold their ground in a decade long war with the United States. Regardless, more money= more power.  

But the impacts of war aren’t all negative. Yes, the causalities and long term physical (and mental) impacts for soldiers and their families are tremendous. However, looking at a broader picture, the United States entering World War II made a significant impact on the US economy. In the United States the unemployment rate was a staggering 25% (!!!) but that all drastically changed when Franklin Roosevelt began to involve the United States in the war, first by supplying the Axis powers with artillery and other weaponry.

World War II helped bring an end to the Great Depression as millions gained work both on the battle field as well as in factories to support the growing demand for supplies. The United States government generated money by starting to require income tax as well as by issuing war bonds. This helped pay for the war and gave the economy a major jump start. Really, World War II saved the US economy and prevented the Great Depression from growing larger and more severe.

The following video is a local connection and insight into what the impacts of World War II had on the Iowa economy as well as national impact.