What led to the maintenance of a large standing force after World War II?

The maintenance of a large standing military force after World War II can primarily be attributed to the perceived threat from the Soviet Union. Following the war, the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically, with the emergence of the Cold War. The Soviet Union was seen as a significant threat not only to Western Europe but also to global stability. This perception led to a heightened sense of urgency regarding national security among Western nations, particularly the United States.

The fear of communist expansion and the belief that the Soviet military capabilities could undermine democratic governments prompted countries to sustain a large peacetime military force. This was instrumental in deterring aggression and ensuring the protection of allied nations. The reliance on a formidable military presence was deemed essential to counteract the potential for Soviet influence and military action around the globe.

While factors such as economic prosperity and military interventions contribute to defense policies, they do not encapsulate the overarching concern for security that drove the establishment and maintenance of a large standing military during the post-war era. Similarly, organizations like NATO were indeed created as a response to the Soviet threat, but the primary motivator for maintaining large forces was centered on the urgency of addressing the dangers posed by the Soviet Union.