1. Effects of the War

2. Why it Matters
Many Americans came home determined to extend the American ideals of democracy at home and abroad
U.S. emerged from war prepared to take on the complex and vital role that it still holds today

3. Allies Set Postwar Goals
Japan and Germany continued to fight long after their defeat was certain
In the last year the Axis powers lost battle after battle, retreated from conquered lands, and saw a slow destruction of military forces

4. Yalta vs. Potsdam Yalta Potsdam Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin
Discussed final strategy and questions regarding postwar Germany
Agreed that Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania would hold free elections (Stalin later took back this promise)
FDR did not want to press Stalin too hard because he wanted the Soviets help against Japan
Truman, Atlee, Stalin
Formalized division of Germany into four zones of occupation
Soviet, American, British, French
New borders and free elections for Poland
Soviets right to claim reparations for war damages from the German sector they controlled
Stalin promised to enter war against Japan

5. New World Takes Shape Poland’s borders shifted slightly
Communist and non-Communist interests clashed in Eastern Europe
China experience a struggle between Nationalists and communists
MacArthur helped Japan write a new constitution, gave women the right to vote, democratic reforms, groundwork for full economic recovery

6. Imperialism Declines
War marked the end of Western European domination of the world
Aggressive acquisitions by Germany and Japan renewed peoples’ drive for independence
The British Empire-the predominant power- would suffer economic shortages that would cause the loss of most of its colonies

7. Balance of Power Shifts
U.S. and the Soviets emerge from war confident and strong
They became known as the superpowers
U.S. was stronger-
no major battle had been fought on U.S. soil
Industry boomed during the war
Soviet territory suffered after the war
Still controlled most of Eastern Europe and threatened to move west

8. International Cooperation
As a result of the failed Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations, the U.S. now saw its role in the world and were ready to embrace world organizations
U.S. provided most of the capital for organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to foster global and economic stability

9. The United Nations
U.S. led the charge for the establishment of the United Nations
Charter in April 1945
Permanent home in New York City
Organized on the basis of cooperation between Great Powers, not equality of all nations
All member nations were part of the General Assembly
U.S., Soviet Union, Britain, France, and China were assigned permanent seats on the Security Council

10. Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Issued in 1948
Condemns slavery and torture, upholds freedom of speech and religion, and affirms that “everyone had the right to a standard of living adequate for the heath and well-being of himself and his family.”
It has proved difficult to enforce

11. War Criminals on Trial
During the war, the Axis powers violated the Geneva Convention
International agreement governing the humane treatment of wounded soldiers and prisoners of war
Nuremberg Trials- Allies prosecuted Nazis for war crimes
Displayed the evils of the Third Reich
Most pleaded that they were just following orders
These trials would last for decades

12. America Assumes Global Leadership
During the war, Americans had defined themselves as democratic, tolerant, and peaceful and popular culture emphasized these themes
Few Americans called for a return to isolationism or retreat from their global responsibilities
Accepted that economic and political health of America was tied to world peace and economic development

13. The Nation Prospers World War II renewed vigor for Civil Rights
WWII ended the Great Depression and ushered in decades of economic growth
The driving force for jobs and prosperity was the federal government
WWII led to a greater government influence in economic affairs
Government made important decisions to guide the economy
Established an expanded economic role that government would play in post war America