Effects of World War II H-SS 11.4.6- Trace the declining role of Great Britain and the expanding role of the United States in world affairs after World War II. H-SS 11.9.1- Discuss the establishment of the United Nations and International Declaration of Human Rights, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and their importance in shaping modern Europe and maintaining peace and international order.

World War II changed the nation After the war Americans were more determined to extend the ideals of democracy and freedom at home and abroad. The United States had emerged from the war prepared to take on the complex role it plays in the world today.

Allies set Postwar Goals World War II did not end until Germany and Japan were in ruins, both countries fought to the bitter end. The Allies knew they were going to win the war, so they began to make plans for the postwar world.

Yalta Conference At the Yalta Conference-Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin- The Big Three met in Yalta a city on the Black Sea in 1945 They discussed the final strategies to end the war, and discussed the crucial questions concerning postwar Germany, Eastern Europe, and Asia. It was decided that Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania would hold free elections- Stalin later reneged (went back on) this promise.

East/West Division of Europe after World War II

Potsdam Conference- The Big Three had changed Potsdam Conference- The Big Three had changed. President Roosevelt had died during the war and was replaced by Harry S. Truman. Churchill was not re-elected and was replaced by Clement Atlee. Stalin was still in power in the U.S.S.R.

Germany was divided into 4 occupation zones

The Allies formalized a plan to divide Germany into four zones: Soviet, American, British and French. New borders and free elections in Poland Recognized Soviet’s right to claim reparations for war damages from the German sector they controlled. Stalin reaffirmed his Yalta pledge to enter war with Japan

The world changed as a result of WWII The borders of Poland shifted to the west. In time, Germany was divided and became Communist East Germany and non-communist West Germany. Nearly all the nations of Eastern Europe fell under communist control Civil war in China between Communists and Nationalists resumed Japan under military occupation by U.S.

Notice that Berlin is under West German control even though it is in East Germany.

Imperialism went into decline. The end of the war marked the end of Western European domination of the world. Since the 1500s Britain, France, and Spain and others colonized Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. German and Japanese aggressive acquisition made apparent the abuses of imperialism, and European powers lost control of their colonies.

Indochina a former French colonial possession

After the war, formerly colonized countries renewed efforts for freedom and independence. For example, Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) a former French colony, did not want to be under French rule after being taken from France and occupied by the Japanese, during World War II. So, they began a war for independence from France and later with the United States.

The British Empire the predominant power in the 19th century came out of the war suffering sever economic shortages, and within decades would lose most of its colonies.

The countries in pink gained their independence following World War II

Russian Army

Balance of Power Shifted After the war the U.S. and U.S.S.R.(Russia) became known as Superpowers. U.S. was much stronger- no battle damage, wealthy, powerful military-had the Atomic Bomb U.S.S.R. was weaker – much of WWII was fought in the Soviet Union, its industries and people suffered-they controlled much of Eastern Europe and threatened to move west.