The Progressive Era: Anti-War Voices

After exploring two anti-war voice websites, I noticed how strong these anti-war voices were being used, though I've never seen or heard of these websites before. Antiwar.com has a mission to advocate for non-interventionism in U.S. foreign policy. A platform for diverse voices of individuals who oppose military intervention. Another anti-war voice is The American Conservative, which exits to challenge unchecked power in the government and businesses to support individual freedoms. Both of these websites got me thinking as to why we don't often hear of anti-war voices and opinions.

Anti-war websites are rarely, if ever, shown on mainstream media within the United States because the government is against anti-war. This is why it is rare to come across sites like Antiwar.com and American Conservative. A major reason for this is due to the government's control in the media meaning they have the ability to block content they disagree with to prevent Americans from finding such sites. 

The United States is pro-war and pro-military therefore, they want to keep these sites hidden in order to protect our country's reputation as the government believes it will tarnish the reputation of America. If Americans happened to see more of these anti-war beliefs it would be harder to get them to understand the purpose of war. 

It all comes down to money and the profits of war. When declaring war countries can benefit financially and the government is all about money. Increases in military spending can result in economic growth which overall boosts the economy. War can also result in the obtainment of valuable resources enhancing the economic power of the country. And of course, when a country wins a war it can enhance the country's standing for trade purposes among other countries. These are some of the key aspects countries think of when declaring war making it beneficial in their eyes. 

In order to keep our economy running and growing the government wants to ensure we stay pro-war and pro-government. Keeping these anti-war websites hidden to the public is their way of doing so.