Essay

Brian Fox November 3, 2010 C Block CSIHSIS __ The Cost of War __

Every war ever fought has had massive costs, whether they are economical, social, or political. As we the people of America have figured

out throughout the years, these things are very true. War can damage the economy. War can create A LOT of tension between different groups

of people. War can create fear, depression and many other strong feelings. Its amazing how anyone can consider that they won a war when

wars damage a nation in many aspects and has many casualties on both sides.

War is very expensive and can often damage the economy of a nation. The war in Iraq is estimated to cost $3 Trillion! “According to a

recent report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost close to $1 trillion thus far.” This is an

extremely expensive war we are fighting. Before the 2003 invasion of Iraq, oil cost about $25 a barrel. Now it costs around $100 a barrel. “This

war has been particularly hard on the economy because it led to a spike in oil prices”. A few years ago, people in America saw outrageous gas

prices, almost topping $5 a gallon. This was mostly because of the war. Economists used to think that wars were good for the economy. This was

true with World War 2, with all of the massive spending on weapons and other supplies within America. I think this is no longer true due to all of

America's international importing. Now we are depending on other nations and spending our money to fuel their economies. If we manufactured

more of our own goods here in America maybe we wouldn't be in such a chaotic situation when it comes to the economy.

Throughout history war has always generated much racial, religious and ethnic tension between 2 or more countries or groups of people.

One example of this is during the Cold War. Tons of Americans were all suspicious that there would be Communist attacks on American soil. This

led to a hate towards anyone believing in communism. Another example of hate resulting from war was the Holocaust. This is possibly one of the

most famous examples of hate and religious/ ethnic tension in history. More than 6 million innocent people were killed all because of one man.

The most recent and one of the most horrific shows of hate many of Americans have seen in their lifetime, which occurred on American soil, was

the 9/11 terrorist attacks. September 11, 2001 is a date that any American can recognize and tell you what happened that day. It was an act of

hate and one that laid down the foundation for many more events that would follow such as the invasion of Iraq in 2003. It was a day that will be

remembered for generations to come and stands as a symbol for the undying pride and strength of the American people. As shown by the

examples stated above hate, racism and religious tension can all be produced from war.

During wars many strong feelings are felt back home. Wars can cause depression back home. "War can cause a high rate of trauma and,

at times, even suicide." This shows that war does not only affect the people that fight in them. Wars also cause terror. As seen with

the 9/11 attacks and the assault on Pearl Harbor, other countries can attack America but we always rise from the ashes and retaliate against our

enemies. Some people on the other hand may feel patriotic during wartime. These people stay positive and support the war for the sake of

freedom and other gains. Whether its depression, hope, pride, or terror everyone shows a different reaction towards war.

The technology behind wars may advance as time goes by but the nature of war will never change. War is a brutal fight that lasts many

years and often depletes the economy of a nation, emotionally affects many people, and sometimes causes racism and similar feelings of hate.

Wars are seen as savage periods of time and very often little is gained from them. Wars will happen dozens more times throughout the history of

the world and this is very unfortunate. Children dying, people injured permanently, mass casualties. Its amazing how anyone can support wars.

Human nature will never change therefore war will never change and they will happen for generations to come despite the terrible damages they

do.