War (disambiguation) facts for kids
War is a large-scale fight between groups of people, countries, or states. It involves using weapons and often leads to many people being hurt or killed. Wars can last for a short time or for many years.
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What is War?
War is a serious conflict where two or more sides use military force against each other. It's more than just a small fight; it involves armies, navies, and air forces. The goal of each side is usually to defeat the other or to achieve specific goals.
Why Do Wars Happen?
Wars start for many different reasons. Often, countries or groups disagree strongly about something important. Here are some common reasons:
- Land and Resources: Groups might fight over who owns certain land or valuable resources like oil or water.
- Power and Control: One group might want to control another group or country.
- Different Beliefs: Sometimes, people with very different political or religious beliefs might go to war.
- Protecting People: A country might go to war to protect its own citizens or people in another country.
Different Kinds of War
There are different types of wars, depending on who is fighting and why:
- Civil War: This is a war fought between different groups within the same country.
- World War: This is a very large war that involves many countries from around the globe. The 20th century saw two major world wars.
- Proxy War: In this type, two powerful countries support different sides in a conflict without fighting each other directly.
What Happens During War?
During a war, soldiers fight using many kinds of weapons, from small guns to large tanks and airplanes. Cities and towns can be damaged or destroyed. Many people, both soldiers and civilians (people who are not in the military), can be injured or lose their lives.
How Wars Affect People
Wars have a huge impact on people's lives. Families might be forced to leave their homes and become refugees. Children might not be able to go to school. Food and supplies can become scarce. Wars also cause a lot of sadness and trauma for those who experience them.
How Do Wars End?
Wars can end in several ways:
- Peace Treaties: The fighting sides might agree to stop and sign a peace treaty. This is a formal agreement to end the war.
- Surrender: One side might give up and surrender to the other.
- Victory: One side might completely defeat the other side.
Working Towards Peace
Many people and organizations work to prevent wars and promote peace. Diplomats try to solve problems through talks and negotiations instead of fighting. Organizations like the United Nations (UN) work to help countries cooperate and avoid conflict. The goal is to find peaceful solutions to disagreements.
