The causes and consequences of war can be applied to any situation that has one or multiple elements to spark a war. Attack on the homeland, economic depression (Germany), an overpowering dictator, and expansion are just a few elements that cause countries to wage war against each other. The consequences of these decisions affect one or both countries in terms of new land ownership, economic boom or depression, a change in government, or a country may have alterior motives for making decisions after the war (United States and the Marshall Plan). There are elements of war that effect both countries as well. Treaties are made or force upon countries, and there is a change in economic status for both countries after war. These elements afftect decisions that are made about countries choosing to remain isolated or intervene as the United States was forced to make in World War II.