1. Chapter 9: The Legacy of World War II.

4.  Enlightenment era started after the American Revolution and spread to Europe.  Sometimes called the Age of Reason.  Challenged existing thought – move beyond your time.  The world took these ideas and in the early part of the 1900’s, had 2 devastating World Wars.  But, by the end of the 1900’s – democracy was spreading and totalitarianism was disappearing. Japan, Germany, USSR –  North Korea, Cuba, Iran

5.  Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended that we punish Germany economically. No new trains, 10% of car production, industry must be light, ect….. “pastoral state”  Also forbid fraternization.  Eisenhower tried to enforce it for 1 month – then told Marshall that it is impossible  Ike wanted GI’s to talk and give candy to children, wanted GI’s to date, not rape German women.  Economically, JCS 1067 destroyed Germany even more, in 1947 the average German in US zone ate around 1000 calories a day.  Then new Secretary of State and former Army Chief of Staff George Marshall changed it all.

6.  US, on top of the 14 billion already spent, authorized 13 billion more for direct economic aid to help restore Europe’s economy.  Need to rebuild Europe economically – national defense  Offered to Soviet bloc as well – they were forced to say no  Ran from 48-51  By 51 they had reached pre-war levels and by 52, they were over by 35%.  Churchill called it the Greatest gift of human kindness.

7.  Airlift first confrontation of the Cold War  Germany divided into 4 zones of occupation  Berlin is in the Soviet Zone – Berlin also divided  Soviets cut US road access to Berlin, so they could take Berlin  US and Allies start shipping food  200,000 flights and 13 million tons of supplies a day!  1948-1949  Operation Little Vittles – 13 tons

8.  US foreign policy regarding the spread of communism.  Attack soviets – WWIII – we all die  Nothing – Soviets take over – WWIII – we all die or Soviets win  Containment – hold the line, don’t let it spread – eventually it will collapse  Truman Doctrine – 1947  Korean War, Vietnam War, Afghanistan, Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars).  Soviet Union collapsed in 1991

9.  The Suez canal built in 1870’s by French.  Later England took over Egypt and control over canal – vital to Britain defense – troops from Australia and New Zealand.  After WWII – Egypt nationalized canal and kicked the British out. 1956  Israel, Britain and France attacked  Britain and France asked for help from US – US backed Egypt. (Eisenhower – one rule)  US threatened to cash in UK bonds from WWII which would devalue the pound so much UK would go bankrupt – also UN resolutions  Ended a week later

10.  The American Spirit?  Generation that fought WWII – did more to spread freedom and prosperity then any other  We can rebuild Europe, stop the Soviets, avoid WWIII – great gift  Germany – became a strong economic democracy  Japan – went from a feudal society to giving women rights, establishing schools, and democracy