The Legacy of the War

Economic Winners and Losers The bombing campaigns of WWII had destroyed the infrastructure of most of Europe. Only the U.S. came out with their industries untouched. The war had ended the Great Depression and strengthened our economy. 1

The Marshall Plan U.S. plan to help Europe recover. Under the plan the U.S. gave $13 billion dollars in aid to the nations of Europe. Named after Secretary of State George C. Marshall. 2

The Nuremberg Trials The world community put together a court in November, 1945 to try Nazi leaders for their role in the Holocaust. Of the original 24 defendants, 19 were found guilty and 12 were sentenced to death. “People are responsible for their actions even in wartime”. 3,4

United Nations The World had learned from WWII that they needed to work together to ensure world peace. In June, 1945 delegates from 50 nations including the U.S. signed a charter establishing the United Nations. 5

U.N. Membership Today