We often assume there are two kinds of wars: international wars, and civil wars within a country. And it is commonly held that the worst kind of conflict is a civil war.

Historically, civil wars have devastated a country’s economy, set brother against brother, and created long-lasting bitterness. The U.S. Civil War was a case in point.

In war with another country, civilian life “back home” may go on more or less as usual, and the common struggle may increase domestic solidarity. In World War II, this was the case in the U.S.

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