Rebuilding after

World War II

US 7A12/8/07

Learning from the our mistakes• United States accepted its role as a world

superpower.• Helped rebuild Japan and Europe• Leading role in establishing the United Nations.

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Rebuilding Europe• After WWII most of Europe was in

ruins.• The Soviet Union occupied most of

Eastern and Central Europe and portions of Germany.

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Rebuilding Europe

• In US’ best interest to rebuild–Prevent economic and political instability

• Marshall Plan–massive financial aid –rebuild Europe–prevent the spread of communism.

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Rebuilding Europe

• Germany:• Partitioned

into East and West Germany

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Rebuilding Europe

•West Germany: –Democratic–resumed self-government after

a few years of American, British, and French occupation

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Rebuilding Europe

• East Germany:–Remained under Soviet

domination–Did not adopt democratic

institutions

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Rebuilding Japan

• At first, Japan is occupied by American forces.

• Adopts a democratic government

• Resumed self-government• Strong ally of the United States

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Keeping the Peace• Creation of the United Nations• Formed at end of WWII• Purpose is to prevent future global wars.

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The Iron Curtain

• Term used to describe the division between Soviet Controlled nations/territory and free, democratic nations.

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Postwar Map of Europe

• Label the following items on map1. Countries that were under control of the

Soviet Union (include division of Germany)2. “Free” or capitalist countries in the West.3. Color and label the Iron Curtain4. Countries that benefited from the

Marshall Plan.5. Name major cities – Paris, London, Berlin

Map Writing Prompt• On back of your map answer the following

question using the information on the map. Write the question then answer.

• How does this map illustrate the Soviet Union’s attempt to protect itself from the capitalist countries of the West?

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Wartime to Peacetime Economy

Prosperity of the United States

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American economy after WWII

• Americans prospered due to an expanding economy stimulated by America’s involvement in the war.

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Reasons for rapid growth of the American economy

1. Businesses converted from production of war materials to consumer goods.

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Reasons for rapid growth of the American economy

2. Americans purchased goods on credit.

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Reasons for rapid growth of the American economy

3. Work force shifted back to men, most women returned full time to family responsibilities.

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Reasons for rapid growth of the American economy

4. Labor unions became more powerful; workers gained new benefits and higher salaries.

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Reasons for rapid growth of the American economy

5. Economic prosperity and technology boomed = next generation of women entered the labor force in large numbers.

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Rebuilding after WWII Bubble Map• Draw a bubble map illustrating how the US

rebuilt Europe, Japan, and it’s own economy.• Center bubble: Rebuilding after WWII• Outer bubbles: Europe, Japan, US economy• From each bubble identify and write a short

statement explaining how Europe, Japan, and US economy were rebuilt after WWII.

• Use your notes from Unit 8 to complete this activity.

• Use color to identify difference between Europe, Japan, US economy

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Rebuilding Mjafter WWII Mj

US Mjeconomy Mj

Europe Mj Japan Mj