War brings disaster; it disrupts normal routine of life, deprives people of enjoyment, uproots them from their ancestral homes and makes them refugees to live in a state of fear and insecurity. However, there are people who believe that war is the only instrument which makes people active, inventive, and inspires them to use their hidden potentialities. There is third approach towards war and its impact on society. It is argued that it gives boost to trade and commerce and improves the economic condition of people. This attitude is clearly evident in the history of United States when there was war against Spain in 1898.The war not only created xenophobia in the American society and united the disgruntled elements of the South and North America together but also produced war heroes to be revered and adored for their courage and bravery. However, the most important reaction was of the American capitalists and industrialists who clearly saw the commercial benefits and advantages of the war. An American newspaper ‘Webster’ published an article entitles “ Commercial and Financial benefits of War”. After analyzing the results and consequences of the Spanish war of 1898, it pointed out that the war not only increased production of arms and weapons of the American factories but it also benefited the textile mills that supplied uniforms to the soldiers and the contractors who, catering food and drink to the army, earned huge profit in this business. The article further elaborated its points that the war ended unemployment and brought prosperity to the common people by opening various venues for job opportunity. The conclusion was that to maintain this prosperity and high standard of life, the American government should continue the policy of waging war against other countries. Because, as a result of it, not only its arms and weapons manufacturing factories would continue to produce more but also the American capitalists would find new markets in war torn countries without much competition.

In June 1898, the same newspaper published another article that outlined the new economic policy for Unites States. As a new and emerging industrial country, US were in need to search new markets for its manufactured goods. The best possible solution was to find out these markets in economically backward countries. In this context, the paper pointed out China as a potential country, but also warned that in order to capture Chinese markets, America had to come into contact with other industrial European countries that were already there. Therefore, it was prudent to make the US navy strong and well equipped in order to compete and fight to protect the economic interests against other colonial powers.

The paper further pointed out the significance of the colonies that would not only provide markets and source of raw material but also play important role from strategic and defence point of view. Once, a colonial power establishes its political domination over a colony, it would engage to improve its transport and communication system, built new buildings, ports, and roads. The beneficiaries of these public works would be American contractors, experts and consultants. Once, a colony economically becomes prosperous, it would produce a consumer class to buy goods produced by the colonial power. Moreover, a colony requires administrators; government officials, and professionals, these post and offices would be filled by the American educated youths. This was the excellent solution to end unemployment among the educated classes.

The same newspaper, elaborating its points, warned that in the acquired colonies people should not be given freedom of expression. The American government followed the advice when she affiliated Alaska, New Mexico and Arizona states to the union.

In the early 20th century, there was a debate in America how to invest the accumulated capital safely in other countries. One point of view was that the American industrialists, who had formed trust in order to protect their capital, stagnated it, therefore, there was a need to liberate capital by fragmentation of these trust and to invest it in economically backward countries. The other point of view was that the trusts, as the repository of capital, were powerful to compete with other industrial nations, therefore, there was a need to follow an aggressive policy to acquire new colonies and invest capital there.

An American newspaper ‘Springfield’ representing the interest of the American capitalists, advised the government that under the new and changing situation to capture and conquer a colony and to bring it under direct political control was not economically viable. On the contrary it was a financial burden. Thereupon, the best possible way was to control their markets .The paper then outlined the policy that how to get hold of new markets. Accordingly an imperialist power should be militarily well equipped by modern weapons; it should keep a large army to maintain its domination and influence; send its envoys and diplomats to those countries where it wanted to have markets in order to convince these states to ask loan for their development. Once they ask for loan, and then send the American experts to complete these projects on their behalf. There should be a policy to pressurize them from time to time to pay back loan. To create in them a sense of insecurity; the American naval ships should remain alert on high sea as a show of strength.

The foundation of the American imperialism that was laid down in the 19^th century became strong and matured in the 20^th century. The American industrialists protected their interests with the help of the American government’s foreign and domestic policies. The. Important aspect of their policy was that wherever, they invested their capital; they curbed the political freedom of people. They were afraid of people’s protest and power and regarded political consciousness a great obstacle to their planning. Military dictatorships and authoritarians governments suited them because it was easy to bribe and corrupt the elite classes and converted them as their collaborators.

Keeping in view this background, we can easily understand that why American government is always eager to wage a war? According to its perspective, war opens new venues for its economy, and provides chances to monopolies the natural resources of other countries. Recent example was Iraqi war that brought an economic boom to America. However, the present crisis has brought the American government to a quite new situation. So, let us see how America is going to make the Afghan war profitable to its capitalists and industrialists.