Download Rebuilding after World War II

Rebuilding after
World War II
US 7A
12/8/07
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 map
1. 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 Curtain
4. 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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