>Happened twice in the last century. Even South America was the least affected, but it wasn't unaffected, and it's not like they'd generate a huge amount of tra

>Happened twice in the last century. Even South America was the least affected, but it wasn't unaffected, and it's not like they'd generate a huge amount of trade (compared to EU/Asia who would definitely be involved). Well, okay. But we traded with (and made a hell of a lot of money from, frankly) the combatants until we entered the war. >Out of the 10 worst stock market crashes, 8 happened during WW2, 7 during the period where the US wasn't actively involved in the war. Temporary crashes in the stock market are just noise. Long term investors won't even notice. If a few traders go bust? Meh. >True, but at that point the consequences are a "fait accompli", history, and unchangeable. You don't ever want to get to that point if you can avoid it at all. We've done it before. Twice.