Military–industrial complex facts for kids
The military–industrial complex is a term that describes the close connection between a country's government, its military, and the businesses that make weapons and other military equipment. Imagine it like a cycle: these businesses might give money to politicians during elections. Then, these politicians might approve more money for the military. The military then uses this money to buy things from those same businesses. Everyone involved gets something they want, so they try to keep this system going.
While this term is often used when talking about the United States, this kind of relationship can happen in any country if the right conditions are present. When a military–industrial complex becomes too powerful, it can lead to problems. For example, the government might become corrupt. Also, some businesses might even want a country to be at war because they earn more money during wartime than during peaceful times.
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What Is the Military–Industrial Complex?
This idea explains how the military, businesses, and government officials can work together. Businesses make things like tanks, planes, and missiles. The military needs these things. The government decides how much money the military gets.
How the System Works
- Businesses that make military goods want to sell more. They might try to influence politicians.
- Politicians might support military spending, sometimes because of donations from these businesses.
- The military gets more money and buys more equipment. This helps the businesses grow.
This cycle can create a strong link where each part benefits from the others.
Where Did the Term Come From?
The idea of the military–industrial complex became well-known because of President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was a famous general before becoming president. In his last speech as president, given in 1961, he warned the American people about this powerful connection.
Eisenhower's Warning
President Eisenhower said, "we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex." This was a serious warning. He meant that people should be careful. He worried that this powerful group could get too much control over the country. He felt it could even threaten democracy and peace.
Today, people still use this term a lot. They use it when discussing politics, especially when talking about how much money the United States spends on its military. It also comes up when people talk about private military companies. These are businesses that often hire soldiers who have left the official military.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The 20 largest US defense contractors ranked by their defense revenue as of 2020.
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United States Defense Spending 2001–2017
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Share of arms sales by country. Source is provided by SIPRI.
See also
In Spanish: Complejo industrial-militar para niños
