War on Drugs facts for kids

The War on Drugs is a name for a big effort by the United States government. It started in the early 1970s. The main goal was to stop people from using illegal drugs across the country. This effort became a huge focus during the 1980s when Ronald Reagan was President. It continued through the 1990s and 2000s, but it wasn't as big a priority as it was under President Reagan. Many presidents supported this effort, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

What Was the War on Drugs?

The War on Drugs was a government plan to fight against illegal drug use and sales. It led to many drug dealers being caught and arrested in the United States. This effort involved police, laws, and special programs.

How Much Did It Cost?

This big effort cost a lot of money. The Drug Policy Alliance said that the United States spent about $51 billion every year on the War on Drugs. This money went towards things like law enforcement, prisons, and other programs.

"Just Say No" Campaign

One famous part of the War on Drugs was the "Just Say No" campaign. This idea was started by Ronald Reagan's wife, Nancy Reagan, who was the First Lady of the United States. The main goal of "Just Say No" was to encourage teenagers to avoid using drugs. It was a simple message to help young people make good choices.

Images for kids

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  As part of the War on Drugs, the US spends approximately $500 million per year on aid for Colombia, largely used to combat guerrilla groups such as FARC that are involved in the illegal drug trade.

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  Mexican troops during a gun battle in Michoacán, 2007. Mexico's drug war claims nearly 50,000 lives each year.

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  Operation Mallorca, US Drug Enforcement Administration, 2005

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  Graph demonstrating increases in United States incarceration rate

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  The U.S. military invasion of Panama in 1989

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  Mexico is scheduled to receive US$1.6 billion in equipment and strategic support from the United States through the Mérida Initiative

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  Circa 1 million people are incarcerated every year in the United States for drug law violations.