Because of, in spite of (Japan, war)
As Mr Koizumi said in parliament in August: “The present peace and prosperity were founded on the sacred sacrifice of the war dead.”
Professor Okamoto said: “We should rather say that postwar prosperity was established in spite of that stupid war, not because of the sacrifices. They died in vain in the cause of aggression that caused great suffering in Asia. But if I said that in public I’d be crucified.”
Kamikaze warship resurfaces in film as source of pride (Times Online)