Rebuilding a Nation Essential Question: What important elements are needed to rebuild a society after years of war?

Imagine that your own country has been at war for many years Imagine that your own country has been at war for many years. Make a list of all the things you think would be needed to help rebuild the country after such a long period of war and destruction. Write down as many things as possible, including items that may not be tangible (for example: government, security, laws, etc.) The immediate food needs of people have been met.

Special Bulletin The international community has just informed the country’s government that it is unable to meet the original funding request. Therefore, because there are now fewer resources, your group must limit its choices to four items rather than five.

Special Bulletin Conflict has broken out in certain regions of the country between groups loyal to rival warlords. This has led to increased insecurity, which has resulted in certain donors not willing to commit resources at this time. Therefore, your group must limit its choices to only three items.

Elements of Rebuilding Security In the period following an armed conflict there is much danger and confusion witnessed. At this time, it is crucial that a country develops and implements way to ensure its citizens safety. Moreover, there must be a level of security good enough to allow economic activities to start again. The responsibilities of establishing the rule of law, providing an effective police force and carrying out judicial responsibilities are great. There are also often border security issues with which to deal.

Elements of Rebuilding Humanitarian Relief Effectively providing citizens the basics necessary for survival following a conflict is critical. During the interval immediately following conflict, thousands of people may be injured, dispersed or otherwise without the means to provide themselves and their families with food, water, medical treatment, shelter and other living requirements. International relief agencies must be allowed the access necessary to assist in resolving humanitarian and refugee crises while the government reestablishes basic services for its citizens.

Elements of Rebuilding Governance Rebuilding a system of governance following an armed conflict is essential for the transition toward a functional society. At the very least, the system of governance must provide security for its for citizens, establish the means of making political decisions quickly and in an acceptable manner, and develop appropriate procedures and resources to operate.

Elements of Rebuilding Infrastructure Armed conflict often disrupts or destroys the physical elements of a modern functioning society. Transportation systems such as roads, highways, bridges, railroads and air and seaports, water and wastewater treatment facilities, telecommunications systems; and the means of basic sanitation may need to be entirely rebuilt.

Elements of Rebuilding Economy Economic rebuilding is vital to the survival of a country’s population. Economic rebuilding efforts ensure that people have jobs and are able to provide for their families. The government must encourage and assist the public in resuming economic activity and resuming industrial and commercial activities. Governments must assist in reestablishing central banks and branch offices and other financial institutions.

Elements of Rebuilding Social/Cultural Rebuilding social and cultural institutions following a conflict is necessary to a society’s survival. Human and cultural resources need to be identified and protected as society rebuilds. Disrupted social and cultural institutions most likely will include major elements of educational systems (schools, teacher education), arts, media, and religious organizations.

The United States & Japan in WWII What event caused the United States to enter into WWII? The Japanese attacked the American Pacific fleet docked at Pearl Harbor, Japan. How long did the United States fight in WWII? For approximately four years, the United States fought battles in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific region. How did the war come to an end? The United States dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.

Facts about the Dropping of the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped an Atomic Bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. 60,000-80,000 people died as a direct result of the bomb blast. About 100 square miles of the city was completely destroyed. Over the next 10 years, 40,000 people died as a result of injuries from the bomb or radiation poisoning. On August 7, 1945, the U.S. demanded Japan surrender immediately and unconditionally. On August 9, 1945, the U.S. dropped a second Atomic Bomb on Nagasaki, Japan.

Rebuilding Japan after WWII

The islands of Japan were put directly under the rule of General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers. War crime trials were held. Over 500 military officers committed suicide right after Japan surrendered, and many hundreds more were executed for committing war crimes. One of the first things that was successfully accomplished was the set up of a system in which food could be easily distributed to those citizens who now found themselves without the means of getting food regularly and were starving because of it.

Another part of the reconstruction took place when Japan made a new Constitution in which they gave their citizens rights. Women were granted the right to vote, and the emperor was officially removed from politics and instead permanently banished to the status symbol of the country. It also abolished a formal state endorsed religion and other religions like Christianity were openly practiced. A clause was also put into their constitution which banned Japan from having any sort of armed military forces. This ban was lifted after Allied occupation ended.

Let’s Review! When WWII ended, what role did the United States play in the rebuilding of Japan? Specifically, on which elements of the rebuilding process did the United States focus? What do you think might have happened to Japan if the United States had not aid them in rebuilding?