I just discovered that site while looking into this question as well. It seems really useful. Here are two charts that backup your point further. Education si

I just discovered that site while looking into this question as well. It seems really useful. Here are two charts that backup your point further. Education since 1900: http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/spending_chart_1900_2015USp_14s1li011lcn_20t http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/spending_chart_1900_2015... Defense since 1792: http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/spending_chart_1792_2015USp_14s1li011lcn_30f_Defense_Spending_Spikes http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/spending_chart_1792_2015... In particular, it is worth noting how low military spending was before WWII. I would be very interested to find similar charts for all world powers going back to ancient times, if anyone can help.