The Terrible Cost of World War II
SACRIFICE:
In 1939 the active United States military totaled 335,000, and during the conflict more than 16 million men and women had served. Tens of millions of men and women throughout the world were in military service in other nations of the world.
HUMAN SUFFERING:
At war's end America had sustained 1,000,000 casualties, nearly 300,000 killed and 700,000 wounded. Throughout the world it is estimated that the total of military and civilian deaths amounted to over 53,000,000. In the countries where battles were fought millions of people were left homeless and entire cities and towns had to be rebuilt.
MATERIAL COST:
The United States lost 59,000 aircraft, 157 naval vessels and 866 merchant ships. Worldwide over 254,000 aircraft fell from the skies and over 11,000 naval and merchant ships now rest on ocean floors. The direct economic cost to the world has been estimated at one trillion six hundred million dollars.
Erected 2012 by the Veterans Council of Northwest Arkansas and Many Concerned Citizens and Organizations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.
Location. 36° 26.015′ N, 94°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The War Between the States (here, next to this marker); War with Spain (here, next to this marker); World War I (here, next to this marker); The Years Between (here, next to this marker); Triumph in Europe (here, next to this marker); Women in World War II (here, next to this marker); World War II Home Front (here, next to this marker); Veterans Wall of Honor (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bella Vista.
Also see . . .
1. The National World War II Museum. (Submitted on January 2, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Overview of World War II at Digital History. (Submitted on January 2, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. World War II Facts. (Submitted on January 2, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. The Fallen of World War II. (Submitted on January 2, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 456 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 2, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on December 11, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on November 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
