“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 I (1917-1921)

  • Estimated Cost: $334 billion (in 2024 dollars)

  • This includes direct military spending and veterans' benefits.

World War II (1941-1945)

  • Estimated Cost: $4.1 trillion (in 2024 dollars)

  • This is by far the most expensive war in U.S. history, accounting for roughly 35.8% of GDP in its peak year.

Cold War (1947-1991) and Nuclear Program

  • Estimated Cost: Highly debated, ranging from $5.8 trillion to $11 trillion

  • This is difficult to estimate due to the length of the conflict and the indirect costs involved, such as the nuclear arms race.

Korean War (1950-1953)

  • Estimated Cost: $341 billion (in 2024 dollars)

Vietnam War (1964-1975)

  • Estimated Cost: $738 billion (in 2024 dollars)

Iraq Wars (1990-1991, 2003-2011)

  • Estimated Cost: $819 billion (in 2024 dollars)

  • This includes both the first Gulf War and the Iraq War that began in 2003.

Afghanistan War (2001-2021)

  • Estimated Cost: $2.313 trillion (in 2024 dollars)

  • This includes direct war costs and veterans' care.

Important Notes:

  • These figures are estimates, and the actual costs could be higher.

  • The costs of war continue long after the fighting ends, due to veterans' care and other long-term effects.

  • The human cost of war is immeasurable and far greater than any monetary figure.

It's crucial to remember that the cost of war extends far beyond the financial. The loss of life, the physical and emotional suffering of veterans, and the impact on families and communities are all profound and lasting consequences of armed conflict.


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