Conflicts currently span across the globe with America having some interest in each of them. Major war protests have begun, and the negative effects of war are being exposed in efforts to prevent war. However, as the negative effects of war are documented, positive occurrences from war should also be explored. War has become a catalyst for the nation in tough times at the expense of American lives. Are the scientific advancements and economic improvements worth the loss of life?
405,399 is a large number regardless of what it describes. Describing human lives though, it is mind-boggling. This figure represents the number of American casualties during World War II, with another 78,976 listed as Missing in Action. A total of 484,375 soldiers were lost in one war (ABMC). Despite the large number of lost soldiers, America has been involved in several more wars in the time following World War II. For instance, The Vietnam War sparked protests in which many people questioned the reasons for America being involved. These facts, however, do not deter the American government from once again involving the nation in conflict.
Lives lost, dreams shattered, families destroyed. These effects of war provide war protests with fuel to continue. Unfortunately, with war as it currently exists, death is unavoidable. Aside from death, psychological deterioration is a trait often associated with war. The psychological battle of a soldier is clearly depicted in The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien. The soldier merely continues on with his duty, as if he were a robot. His thoughts constantly contradict each other, and he is unable to fully focus. It appears as if he is living in a blur, with his thoughts randomly jumping from one topic to another.
The negatives of war present arguments for the staunchest pacifists; however, the positive aspects lead one to believe that war is necessary for the survival of the nation. The struggle of American families during the 1930s is well documented. Writers such as John Steinbeck used literature to elucidate the issues facing the struggling nation. Unemployment was at its highest level ever and despite legislation to change the trend, America seemed unable to recover. Franklin Roosevelt fought valiantly to save the economy, but war was what ended the Great Depression. Closed factories reopened to produce materials for the war effort. Furthermore, there were fewer people in the country, so jobs became available. From the war, America and Russia emerged as the major world powers. The economy flourished and America was able to shift its focus to other issues.
Nuclear power, a very efficient and clean method of producing energy, can be attributed to war. World War II, particularly Germany, prompted America to begin the secretive Manhattan Project. This project worked to bring nuclear power to a forefront. There were two different parts to the project, one concerned with the nuclear reaction, the other with the actual bomb. The ability to produce and harness Uranium-235 has tremendous value for power. As seen with its effects in Hiroshima, Uranium can exhibit power capable of leveling a city. However, Uranium is now being used to power cities.
The use of automobiles has become an important aspect in the lives of many Americans. The importance of automobiles is evident by the way the nation has reacted to rising gas prices. Automobiles have been enhanced by war, as with the Hummer. The Hummer began as a military vehicle and has now become a common vehicle for civilians. Also, air travel grew significantly following their major usage in World War I. The role of airplanes changed throughout the war, and the rise of importance of air travel could be attributed to the war.
The loss of thousands of lives cannot be overlooked by some. Others cannot overlook the improvements in science and positive effects on the economy. These conflicting views cause war to not be unanimously supported or opposed. The individual can only ask himself/herself if the effects of one side are great enough to forget about those of the other side.
Works Cited
World War II Casualties. Online Posting. American Battle Monuments
Commission. 16 Feb 2003 <http://www.abmc.gov/abmc45.htm>
