Why Do Countries Declare War?

Countries declare war when they want everyone to know that they're fighting. It's like telling your friend in the playground, 'You’re officially my enemy now!' This makes it easier for people to join the fight and helps leaders feel more powerful because others can see how brave they are.

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Examples

A country declares war when its leader stands on a big stage and shouts, 'We are now enemies!'
If one country starts fighting another without declaring it, people might not know the war has started yet.
A declaration of war helps soldiers feel more proud to fight because they know their whole country is behind them.

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Categories: Politics · war,diplomacy,history