Final answer:
The burden of supporting an over-expanded military includes economic and diplomatic costs. The U.S. experienced a massive increase in defense spending during the Cold War, which President Eisenhower recognized as a potential threat to economic stability. Militarism has historical precedents and can lead to reduced funding for domestic programs such as education.
Step-by-step explanation:
Burden of Supporting an Over-expanded Military
The concept of the burden of supporting an over-expanded military reflects the substantial economic and diplomatic costs that can arise from maintaining a large military force. As seen in historical contexts, such as during the Cold War, a nation's defense budget can balloon to support ever-growing military capabilities. This was evident when U.S. defense spending skyrocketed from $13 billion to more than $50 billion in the 1950s. Even President Eisenhower, a military hero himself, expressed skepticism and warned of the dangers of escalating military budgets in his 1961 farewell address.
The militarism observed in the United States has historical parallels, especially when considering the late 1800s and early 1900s. Major powers like Great Britain, France, and Germany significantly increased their defense spending and the sizes of their militaries during this period, often leading to arms races. In modern times, the U.S. continues to maintain a substantial military budget, which is justified as a means to support foreign policy interests but can also be perceived as imperialisitc by other nations. Futhermore, this focus on the military often leads to other important areas, such as education, being allocated less funding.
While a strong military conveys a sense of security and global influence, it comes with the obligation of restraint. The extensive network of U.S. military installations around the globe is both a source of foreign policy strength and a potential diplomatic liability. The economic impact of such high military spending can be far-reaching, as it not only meets immediate defense needs but also affects long-term national economic stability.