Post World War II
Rebuilding
Key Question: Why did the United States help rebuild Europe and Japan?
1. Much of Europe and Japan was in ruins after the war.
2. The United States learned from its mistakes of the past (not helping other countries and then
watching them fall under the control of neighboring nations). It felt it was in the United States’
best interest to help rebuild to prevent political and economic instability.
3. The Soviet Union’s army occupied most of Eastern and Central Europe and Eastern Germany.
Europe and Japan
Key Question: What did the rebuilding efforts look like?
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1. The United States created the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe. It provided massive financial
aid to rebuild European economies to prevent the spread of Communism.
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2. The United States occupied Japan after the war. It soon adopted a democratic form of
government, resumed self-government and became a strong ally of the United States.
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3. Germany was partitioned into East and West Germany. West Germany became democratic
and resumed self-government after a few years of American, British, and French occupation.
East Germany remained under the domination of the Soviet Union and did not adopt
democratic institutions.
United Nations
Key Question: Why was the United Nations established?
1. The United Nations was formed near the end of World War II to try to prevent future global wars.
2. The United States was a world superpower: it took the leading role in establishing the United
Nations.
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Prosperity=Wealth
Key Question: What contributed to prosperity of Americans after the war?
1. Rationing of consumer goods was over and businesses converted back to consumer goods
from the production of war materiel.
2. Americans purchased goods on credit (they could buy now and pay later).
3. The workforce shifted back to men, and most women returned to family responsibilities.
4. Families reunite
5. Labor unions merged and became more powerful; workers gained new benefits and higher
salaries
6. As economic prosperity continued and technology boomed, the next generation of women
(Baby Boomers) entered the labor force in large numbers.
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Changing Patterns
Key Question: What led to changing patterns in the United States?
Change
Description
1. Changing (evolving) role of women Family vs. work
2. Highways (interstate)
Able to move from state to state quicker
3. African Americans
Aspired for equal opportunities after service in WWII
4. New investment in education
Built more schools, hired more teachers
5. Growing Families: Baby Boom
This large generation led to changing demographics
6. Eleanor Roosevelt
Expanded the role of women’s and human rights
7. Strong economy
Healthy job market, increased productivity,
increased demand for American products
Positive Changes
Key Question: What policies and programs expanded educational and employment
opportunities?
Policy/Program
Description
1. G.I. Bill of Rights
Gave educational, housing, and employment benefits to
veterans.
2. Truman desegregated the armed By 1950, white soldiers and African American soldiers
forces.
served side-by-side in Korea.
3. Civil Rights legislation
Led to increased educational, economic, and political
opportunities for women and minorities.