Mercenary

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An individual who takes part in military conflict for personal profit

Real World Example

During the Age of Absolutism (1550-1800), mercenaries were soldiers hired to fight in wars for personal profit rather than loyalty to a country or cause. They played crucial roles in many European conflicts, such as the Thirty Years' War, providing military strength to nations that lacked large standing armies. Mercenaries were important because they allowed rulers to expand their territories and enforce power without relying solely on national armies. Today, the concept of hired soldiers is reflected in private military companies, which some governments use for security and military operations. This legacy of mercenaries can inspire people to consider careers in international service, where skills are valued across borders, much like how people today might work globally in sectors like technology or healthcare.

Practice Version

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