WWI, WWII and the Cold War. I wonder what Europe would be if so much potential, so many lives, and wealth wasn't wasted.
Many, and here at FR, can not fathom what the last 100 years have done to Europe. It's understandable, we only see the seeible, and not the unseen, that which never had a chance to exist.
In may ways, US hyper action is a result of the delay of our entry in both wars. For Europeans it is natural that they avoid it so much now. In a way, after 1945, we have switched places.
I'm aware of in this odd foggy mess of what is called the War on Terror, the Netherlands is quietly doing more than its share.
It is crazy to speak for the dead, but I would imagine that for the last 60 years of peace, families and even walks in parks and beer and all the things free people do, it was worth it.