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. 2

Rebuilding Europe After WWII most of Europe was in ruins. The Soviet Union occupied most of Eastern and Central Europe and portions of Germany. 3

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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. 5

Rebuilding Europe Germany: Partitioned into East and West Germany 6

Rebuilding Europe West Germany: – Democratic – resumed self-government after a few years of American, British, and French occupation 7

Rebuilding Europe East Germany: – Remained under Soviet domination – Did not adopt democratic institutions 8

Rebuilding Japan At first, Japan is occupied by American forces. Adopts a democratic government Resumed self-government Strong ally of the United States 9

Keeping the Peace Creation of the United Nations Formed at end of WWII Purpose is to prevent future global wars. 10

The Iron Curtain Term used to describe the division between Soviet Controlled nations/territory and free, democratic nations. 11

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? 13

Wartime to Peacetime Economy Prosperity of the United States 14

American economy after WWII Americans prospered due to an expanding economy stimulated by America’s involvement in the war. 15

Reasons for rapid growth of the American economy 1.Businesses converted from production of war materials to consumer goods. 16

Reasons for rapid growth of the American economy 2. Americans purchased goods on credit. 17

Reasons for rapid growth of the American economy 3. Work force shifted back to men, most women returned full time to family responsibilities. 18

Reasons for rapid growth of the American economy 4. Labor unions became more powerful; workers gained new benefits and higher salaries. 19

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. 20

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 21

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