Military-Industrial Complex
Defense contractors pushed for continued conflict that benefited their bottom lines. Major corporations secured lucrative contracts for everything from helicopters to boots. Military spending created jobs across congressional districts, generating political support for war funding. Defense Secretary Robert McNamara came from Ford Motor Company, representing the revolving door between industry and government. President Eisenhower had warned about this influence in his farewell address. The economic incentives to continue fighting proved powerful throughout the conflict.
