Military+Industrial+Complex

Military Industrial Complex  The Military Industrial Complex is commonly known as an equal relationship between the military, government, and industry that produces weapons and equipment for war. Each side receives what they are seeking, may it be money or equipment. It is often analyzed as a “war for profit” theory.

The idea of war for profit dates back many centuries. It is seen often throughout history, especially in wars. Countries seek the desire to build a strong military power which causes them to need a strong industry. An industry yearns for money, as a military yearns for weapons, thus allowing both sides to equally need each other. An industry profits most when a country is at war. Industries are aware that they will benefit from investing in a war, which is convenient for the military. War is advantageous for those endowed in it. A war minded industry and economy is equally as cost-effective as a busy growing one.

 The phrase Military-Industrial Complex was first introduced in an American report in the 20th Century. Military-Industrial Complex was later used by the United States President, Dwight D. Eisenhower in his January 17, 1961 farewell address to the nation. Eisenhower warned, "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist." Eisenhower feared that the military industrial- complex would start to dictate America's actions.

Political Contributions  Politics contribute to the military industrial complex in mostly financial ways. Campaign finance in the United States controls the financing that goes in to the government campaigns. The finance law was put into effect by congress, who also controls the financing. Public financing is usually available to the people who qualify for it and are in the right place. Some are campaigns are privately financed and some corporate and unions contribute. Campaign financing often causes controversies that bring up  inequality and corruption. Campaign financing usually depends on what is occurring during the time, may it be a presidential election or war. It drastically changes to fit the states needs at the time. Defense Spending A military budget plays a large role the military industrial complex. The defense budget, or the amount of financial resources set a side b y a state for the military to spend. The strength and size of the military usually affects how large the budget is. The willingness of the government and other corporations to contribute to the military also affect the amount of the budget. During the Cold war, President Eisenhower was pressure to increase government spending.

Government Involvement The military and industry are major players in the Military Industrial Complex, but with out involvement from the government, this iron triangle would not be possible. In order for the complex to work, the government must contribute by controlling the defense spending and political contributions that must be involved for the sides to be equal.

 Interstate Highway The largest highway system in the world, the Interstate Highway was built in 1956, under the Interstate Highway Act. President Eisenhower and his administration were in charge of it and it became the largest public works project ever to exist. The interstate highway is a net work of roads that include freeways, highways, and expressways. This network connected 209 cities that allowed the military to quickly and safely transport equipment and weapons. The  military was able to move easy and efficiently throughout the country. It was simple to access had the ability to hold aircrafts if they needed to land on it, along with room for tanks.

<span style="color: #00ffba; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 300%;">Effects <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">The Military Industrial Complex was a necessity for the United States during the war. The role it played significantly impacted the United Stares during this time, in a positive way. Eisenhower feared that the effects of the complex would eventually be negative, which turned out to mostly be true. He thought that the complex would get so big, it would be difficult to control. The complex did enlarge and in some ways, became out of control. New powers came out after the war and new defensive strategies, like NATO. The U.S gained completely new jobs in defense and private contractors were replaced. The economy and society drastically changed after the war, which effected The Military Industrial Complex.

<span style="color: #6b6666; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 300%;">Impact <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">The Military Industrial Complex greatly impacted the Cold War in a positive way. When a nation enters a war, the military needs all the support it can get. The complex allowed the military to easily work with the government and industry to get what they need. The governments involvement gave money to the complex and a simple relationship among the key players. The industry supplied the military with everything the needed, which allowed them to do well in the war. With out the Military Industrial Complex, the United States would not of been able to do as well in the war. The society changed its entire structure to fit the wars needs, which allowed the U.S to succeed. There is a possibility that without this complex, the U.S would not have came out of the war the same way, which would negatively effect the U.S permanently.

<span style="color: #ff000f; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 300%;">Significance <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">The United States' success had a lot to do with the success of the military. The strength of the military has allowed the United States to win several wars and achieve many goals. After the Cold War, the United States still remained a super power. The government continues to have a significant involvement in the military and the spending for it. The military strength allows others aspects of the nation to benefit, like the economy. There is a constant need for defensive in the nation, which leads to defense spending and military spending. The Military Industrial Complex is a necessity, but can negatively impact the United States. media type="youtube" key="jLs3RVIIbrE" height="304" width="374" align="left"

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<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 300%; text-align: center;">Work Cited <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Eisenhower warns of the. (2012). // The History Channel website //. Retrieved 11:38, May 2, 2012, from http://www.history.com/.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Sköns, E. (2009, May 03). The military industrial complex. Retrieved from http://carecon.org.uk/DPs/0907.pdf

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">"General Douglas MacArthur."//Naval Historical// //Center//. Web. 18 Jan 2011. http://www.history.navy.mi l/ <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> Donaldson, Gary A. // America at War since 1945 // //Politics and Diplomacy in Korea, Vietnam, and the// //Gulf War//. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 1996. 26, 61. Print. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Meeker, T. (1973). //Military industrial complex//. (p. 23). Los Angeles, CA: Center for the Study of Armament and Disarmament. <span style="color: #770080; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">-Brennah Roach