Bankers' Wars: Finance & Conflict History

Wars have happened for all sorts of reasons. From fighting over land to clashing over ideas, the reasons behind wars are really complicated and often debatable. But there's more and more evidence suggesting a common link in many of these conflicts: money. In this essay, I'll argue that financial interests, especially those of big banking institutions, have played a big role in shaping wars over time. By looking at key events and different sources, I'll show how wars are often fought to benefit the financial elite, not really for the people they're supposed to be fighting for.

The history of banking and war

Banks and war have a long, complicated history. Banks have always been involved in funding wars, lending huge amounts of money to governments for their military needs. But the connection between banks and war goes deeper than just money. Banks have often influenced the direction of conflicts, using their power to push governments towards war and controlling the geopolitical scene to some extent.

Examples of financial interests

One of the clearest examples of this is the role of Western banks before World War II. As author and researcher Michael Rivero points out, it wasn't just ideological differences that caused the war. It was the actions of American and European banks. These banks, many with strong financial ties to the Nazi regime, helped prop up the German economy, giving it the resources and credit it needed for rearmament.

• The American Civil War, for instance, was largely about control of the country's banking system.
• The fight over the world's oil reserves has also been a big factor in wars throughout the 20th century.

Addressing the influence of banking institutions

So, what can we do about the influence of banks in wars? It's not an easy question. Banks have a ton of power these days, and their grip on politics and international affairs is huge. But there are things we can do to lessen their impact. First, we need more transparency and accountability. By shedding light on the financial ties between banks and governments, people can better understand why conflicts happen and hold their leaders accountable.

Another important step is making financial institutions more democratic. Banks have long been controlled by a small group of powerful insiders who shape global politics and economics. By opening up these institutions to more democratic control, we can make sure they respond more to the needs of ordinary people and are less influenced by the financial elite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the history of war is really complex. But evidence suggests that behind many wars is a common driver: the interests of the financial elite. From Western banks' actions before World War II to the ongoing battle for control over oil reserves, banks have played a key role in shaping wars throughout history. By understanding the link between finance and conflict and working to reduce the power of big banking interests, we can aim for a more peaceful and just world for everyone.