The Effects of World War II and the foundations of the COLD WAR

Fought on 3 continents and majority of world’s oceans WW II was global Fought on 3 continents and majority of world’s oceans

Weapons of War Both sides pursued a policy of unconditional surrender 30-40 million civilian and military casualties Ratio of Soldier to Civilian casualties rate was 19-1 in WWI. In WWII the ratio became closer to 1-1 Both sides pursued the development of nuclear and atomic weapons

Cost of World War II Direct War Costs Killed/Missing Civilians Killed USA 288 billion 292,000 4 (give or take a few) GB 117 billion 271,000 60,000 France 112 billion 205,000 173,000 USSR 93 billion 13.6 million 7.7 million Germany 212 billion 3.3 million 2.8 million Japan 41 billion 1.2 million 1 million

Atomic Bombs US drops two atomic weapons on Japan to bring a quick ending to WWII and defeat Japan without the help of USSR. Hard to calculate impact due to multiple generations being affected

Destroyed the infrastructure of Europe Transportation networks and farm lands ruined in theaters of conflict 1.5 trillion dollars in 1945 was est. total cost due in large part to “total war” policy. US and USSR will take lead roles in rebuilding war torn lands

Holocaust Nazi officials will be tried for war crimes at Nuremberg trials Only after the camps were discovered by US marines were the true horrors of the camps understood 10 million Jews and other minorities are killed.

Shift towards a bipolar world US and USSR become lone super powers Marks beginning of the Cold War Results in division of Europe between east and west. NATO and Warsaw Pacts Communism vs Capitalism Shift towards a bipolar world

US Finances the rebuilding of western Europe and Japan Women in the work force plants the seeds of the feminist movement. Lack of consumer goods and higher income during the war, lead to a booming economy in the 1950’s

USSR USSR is in much worse shape because of state controlled economy and war primarily fought on their soil. Destroyed much of own land due to scorched earth policy of Stalin vs. Hitler