text: what are war bonds? what are war bonds i am talking about the world war two era the government sold pieces of paper called "war bonds" for $10, for example. they promised it would be worth $15 in two years.   the theory was if you gave them money, they could afford to hire companies to build things like tanks and whatnot. that company would then hire local workers and help boost the economy.  war is good for business. kind of ironic that the economic growth kills the very same people it benefits.