“War- What's it Good For?” -Washington
"Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice?" - Washington Farewell Address It's important to understand that calculating the cost of wars, especially those fought over a longer period, is a complex task. There are many factors to consider, including: Direct military spending: This includes the cost of weapons, equipment, personnel, and operations. Veterans' benefits: Healthcare, disability payments, and other benefits for veterans. Interest on debt: Wars are often financed through borrowing, which incurs interest costs. Indirect costs: Loss of life, economic disruption, environmental damage, and social costs. Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs of the wars in the last century, based on data from various sources, primarily the Congressional Research Service: World War ...