In rare instances it can depending on investments made post war and depending on global competition.
After WW2, the U.S. GDP grew rather quickly and they made some gains in foreign exports because half of Europe was torn to rubble during the war. As Europe was rebuilding their economies, U.S. overtook everyone else and controlled global exports.
Without WW2, I don't see the U.S. economy growing as fast as it did from the 40's to the 60's.