Buzz
1. USA – Mexico
Ranked at the 10th position is the conflict between the USA and Mexico. The concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the USA had a mission to expand its territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific, was a driving force behind the clash. Another reason was the annexation of Texas by the USA, which Mexico did not recognize, always regarding Texas as its own territory. The war between the USA and Mexico, occurring between 1846 and 1848, claimed 40,000 lives, accompanied by infectious diseases. The expenses for this war were substantial; it is estimated that the cost amounted to $98 million at that time, which would be around $2.8 billion today.
The cost of wars is always significant, and the consequences they leave behind are profound. Today, let me introduce you to some of the most financially burdensome wars in history, shedding light on the massive amount of money spent on warfare. USA – Mexico, American Revolution, Spain – USA, American Civil War, Gulf War, Korean War, Vietnam War, World War I, War on Terror, World War II
4. The Gulf War
The Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, commenced on August 2, 1990, in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. With the participation of 670,000 soldiers from 28 countries, the conflict lasted until April 6, 1991. While the casualty count remained relatively low, the financial toll was staggering. The U.S. Department of State estimated the cost of the war to be around $61 billion, but the actual figure far exceeded that. Adjusted for inflation, it amounts to approximately $110 billion today. This is what makes the Gulf War one of the costliest conflicts in history.
5. The American Civil War
Between 1861 and 1865, the blood-soaked American Civil War claimed the lives of approximately 620,000 Americans, until the Confederate military surrendered, capturing Jefferson Davis - President of the Confederate States. The victory of the Union led to the abolition of slavery in the United States. The American Civil War left lasting economic repercussions, necessitating government plans to mobilize all available resources. The cost of the conflict at the time was $4.2 billion, equivalent to $88 billion in today's terms. A staggering figure, isn't it?
6. The Vietnam War
Indeed, the amount spent by the United States for its invasion of Vietnam was enormous, consuming vast sums of money. Both our country and the United States suffered heavy losses. Many American youths were compelled to fight in Vietnam against their will. The United States initiated airstrikes in 1966, with as many as 190,000 American troops in Vietnam. By early 1968, the number of American troops had escalated to 500,000. The United States withdrew from Vietnam by 1975. It is estimated that the United States spent $173 billion on this conflict, equivalent to $1.1 trillion in today's terms. Not only in terms of finances, but the number of casualties was also significant and immeasurable.
7. The Korean War
North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, sparking the Korean War. The United States and a coalition of 15 other nations intervened on behalf of South Korea under a United Nations resolution. The war lasted until July 27, 1953. Despite its relatively short duration of about 3 years, the cost of the war was staggering. An estimated 3 million people were killed or injured, with nearly $67 billion spent on the conflict. Adjusted for inflation, this amounts to $671 billion today. The Korean War stands as one of the costliest conflicts in history.
8. The War on Terror
The costs of wars on terrorism are notoriously difficult to calculate accurately. The War on Terror at the Pentagon in 2011 alone cost approximately $1.1 trillion. However, a consortium of scientists in the United States estimated it to be $5 trillion. The Watson Institute of International Studies conducted a study, calculating that the costs of wars in Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan alone reached $3.7 trillion and could rise to $4 trillion. A truly staggering figure. However, the battle described below is arguably the most financially exhaustive conflict in human history.
9. World War I
The specific and precise costs of World War I have yet to be fully calculated due to numerous influencing factors. The death toll reached 9.4 million, with 15 million men and women wounded and millions displaced. However, the cost of this war is truly staggering, estimated at around $208 billion, equivalent to $3.2 trillion in today's terms. World War I had a profound impact on the global economy, leading to years of global economic downturn thereafter.
10. World War II
Indeed, World War II not only resulted in immense loss of life but also drained humanity's finances. According to estimates, the United States alone had to spend at least $341 billion on this war, equivalent to $4.5 trillion today. Additionally, other countries also incurred significant expenses. Germany spent $272 billion on the war. Could the Soviet Union be the nation with the highest war expenditures? The Soviet Union had to spend a considerable amount, but still less than some other countries - $192 billion. Italy had to pay $94 billion, while Britain lost $120 billion. However, Japan, a country directly involved in the war, only spent $56 billion on war expenses. The total expenses of all countries amounted to $1 trillion, equivalent to $14 trillion today. A truly staggering figure!
