World War II (1931-1945) Lesson 8 Impact of World War II

Lesson 8 Impact of World War II Learning Objectives Evaluate the goals that Allied leaders set for the postwar world. Describe the steps that United States and other nations took toward international cooperation. Explain the impact of World War II on the postwar United States.

Lesson 8 Impact of World War II Key Terms Yalta Conference superpowers General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights Geneva Convention Nuremberg Trials

Planning the Postwar World World War II (1939-1945) was a turning point that changed the nation and the world in profound ways. Many Americans came home determined to extend the ideals of democracy and freedom at home as well as abroad. In addition, the United States emerged from the war prepared to take on the complex and vital role in world affairs that it still holds today.

Planning the Postwar World WWI the Kaiser surrendered before Allies could invade. In WWII, Germany and Japan fought long after defeat was certain Destroyed their countries. February 1945 – big three met in Yalta – Stalin promised free elections in Eastern Europe (Poland) July 1945 – Potsdam – Truman, Stalin and Clement Atlee. Decided to break Germany up into 4 zones Free elections in Poland USSR help fight Japan Accept only unconditional surrender

Planning the Postwar World Analyze Data Why were U.S. civilian deaths so low? Why do you think U.S. military deaths were higher than Britain’s even though Britain had been fighting longer?

Planning the Postwar World This photograph shows (left to right) Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin at the Yalta Conference. Roosevelt died only a few months after this picture was taken.

International Impact of the War After the war ended in August 1945, plans for the postwar world had to be turned into realities. However, the changes that took place were often not what the Allies had envisioned at Yalta and Potsdam.

International Impact of the War Germany splits into two – democratic and communist USSR makes all of East Europe Communist (no free election in Poland) China erupts into Civil War – Communists v. Nationalists General MacArthur writes new Constitution for Japan. No armed forces Women right to vote Established democracy Started economic recovery East Indies wanted to be independent (Dutch) Indochina wanted to be independent – Franc Imperialism over British would lose most of their colonies and have severe economic shortages Superpowers – countries that dominated the post WWII world – the US and USSR US stronger – no destruction USSR – biggest army in world and occupied all of East Europe

International Impact of the War World War II altered the map of Europe, especially Eastern Europe. Analyze Maps What happened to Germany between the end of World War II and 1950?

International Impact of the War The United States worked to maintain cordial relations during their postwar occupation of Japan. Here, a U.S. soldier gives candy to Japanese children.

International Organizations and Treaties Americans were quick to recognize that their nation had taken on a new position in the world. After World War I, the Senate had rejected the Treaty of Versailles and refused to join the League of Nations. Many Americans now viewed these decisions as mistakes that contributed to the rise of fascism and the outbreak of another war. As World War II drew to a close, Americans were ready to embrace the idea of world organizations.

International Organizations and Treaties US in WWI did not join the League of Nations. Not going to make the same mistake. US creates the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank – tries to foster global economic financial stability – did set the world economy to the dollar General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) – lower tariffs – hurts US manufacturing but encourages world trade (stability) (WTO)

UN United Nations – replaced the League of Nations to help cooperation between the Great Powers (not equality of nations) Started in San Francisco in 1945 by 50 nations US, USSR, France, UK, and China – got permanent seats on the UN Security Council Eleanor Roosevelt first Ambassador to the UN Drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – rights for all people of the world

War Crimes Trials The Axis Powers violated the Geneva Convention which governed humane treatment of POW’s and wounded soldiers 1,000 Japanese were tried for atrocities in China and Korea. Hundreds plus Tojo were executed. Nuremberg Trials – Nazi’s trials in the former headquarters of the Nazi’s. Holocaust came to light Said they were only following orders New precedent – you are responsible for your actions

International Organizations and Treaties Make GeneralizationsWhat does the rise of these organizations after World War II tell you about the postwar world economy?

International Organizations and Treaties American, British, and Soviet delegates vote at a United Nations meeting. The three Allies held permanent seats on the Security Council, but wartime cooperation soon turned to conflict.

Domestic Impact of the War A new American identity rose from World War II. Americans regarded the Nazis as totalitarian, racist, and warlike. During the war, U.S. leaders and American popular culture had emphasized that the Allies were fighting a 'people's war' for tolerance, freedom, democracy, and peace. Although many Americans felt that their country had not always lived up to that ideal, they hoped that the postwar period would usher in significant changes.

Domestic Impact of the War US abandons Isolationism and start to think in global terms Economy grew in new places that had factories Government increased their economic role FDR increased use of Executive Orders – which we see a lot in today WWII gave a renewed fight for civil rights and lead to an anti-racists period in our History

Domestic Impact of the War This 1943 poster emphasizes America as a defender of liberty. After the war, the United States continued to take on the role of leader of the Free World in opposition to the Soviet Union.

Quiz: Planning the Postwar World Which promise made at the Yalta Conference did Stalin ultimately renege on? A. cooperating in trials to bring former Nazis to justice B. supporting the United States in the war against Japan C. holding free elections in Eastern Europe after the war D. dividing power in Germany amongst the Allied Powers

Quiz: International Impact of the War What major advantage did the United States possess over the Soviet Union following the war? A. The United States had the world’s largest military force. B. Virtually none of the fighting had taken place on U.S. soil. C. Most of Japan’s former colonies were now under U.S. control. D. The Soviet Union owed the United States a massive amount of debt.

Quiz: International Organizations and Treaties The main idea behind the United Nations was to A. expand world trade through the reduction of tariffs. B. promote the spread of democracy all over the world. C. give each member state an equal say in world affairs. D. ensure cooperation between the major powers of the world.

Quiz: Domestic Impact of the War After the war, the United States A. drastically cut back its defense industries. B. went through a period of economic instability. C. was able to return its focus to domestic issues. D. increasingly took on more global responsibilities.