I was thinking more of the period after the World Wars, when the pattern for industrialised warfare came to fruition. Although elements of what I was described can be found during WW2 and maybe at stretch WW1, it is tenuous at best as you say, and hardly a primary reason.
Some of WW2, particularly on the german side, was for domestic consumption, but it was more a happy by-product. But it was that realisation, that lead to it being the primary purpose.
The Falklands being a prime example as you say... and one would could argue later middle eastern misadventures also.
Of course, that leads also to the argument, that if one is going to war in order to apply sticking plaster to deep divisions at home.. one needs must manufacture an enemy if none presents itself. You can't have an 'US' without a Them.
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Some of WW2, particularly on the german side, was for domestic consumption, but it was more a happy by-product. But it was that realisation, that lead to it being the primary purpose.
The Falklands being a prime example as you say... and one would could argue later middle eastern misadventures also.
Of course, that leads also to the argument, that if one is going to war in order to apply sticking plaster to deep divisions at home.. one needs must manufacture an enemy if none presents itself. You can't have an 'US' without a Them.