Although war can impose powerful stresses on family relationships and
functions, and its horrors have been described since Euripides wrote T
he Trojan Women, the subject has received little scientific study. The
American Civil War had significant effects on the family and increasi
ng industrialization further disrupted family ties and transformed wom
en's roles. Twentieth-century wars have had both immediate and delayed
effects on the family, ranging from anxiety and grief about losses an
d separations to increased antisocial behavior and juvenile delinquenc
y. Subsequent problems stem from readjustments to civilian life, high
divorce rates and women assuming more powerful roles in the family and
society. Analysis of a random sample of child guidance clinic records
1923-1983 revealed an increase in children's academic problems and ag
gressive behaviors during and after World War II. Increases in anxiety
and obsessive and aggressive behaviors were evident following the Vie
tnam conflict along with the adverse effects of post traumatic stress
disorder on family life. Although US participation in the Gulf War was
limited, disruptive effects were seen in the children of affected mil
itary families, and for Iraqi children the consequences were devastati
ng. War generally accelerates dormant changes in family life not yet f
ully apparent or appreciated.