Post WWII: The Two Superpowers PDF
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Global History
Mr. C
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Summary
This presentation introduces the two superpowers after World War II, focusing on the changes in Europe following 1945. It compares major aspects of the two ideologies, communism and capitalism. It also analyzes the American reaction to the events, including US policies like the Marshall Plan.
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Post WW II The Two Superpowers Changes in Europe Post 1945 Global History 12 Mr. C What’s Happening? ◆ Europe lay in ruins (physically, economically) ◆ Japan destitute, territory occupied ◆ China about to enter civil war ◆ India struggling for i...
Post WW II The Two Superpowers Changes in Europe Post 1945 Global History 12 Mr. C What’s Happening? ◆ Europe lay in ruins (physically, economically) ◆ Japan destitute, territory occupied ◆ China about to enter civil war ◆ India struggling for independence from Britain ◆ African and South East Asian countries suffering from neo-colonialism ◆ Latin American countries under military dictatorships 1945- Why US and USSR? US USSR ◆ Relatively unharmed ◆ Lost 20 million citizens from war (physically ◆ “treasure house” of isolated, entered war natural resources later) ◆ Largest land mass ◆ Produced half world’s ◆ Occupied Eastern total industrial and Europe important agricultural output technical expertise and ◆ Vast reserves of oil industrial equipment ◆ Atomic Bomb ◆ Replaced Europe as leader of industrialized world Obvious Differences US USSR ◆ Multi-party ◆ Single-party states democracy ◆ Totalitarianism ◆ Capitalism ◆ Communism ◆ Free market ◆ Centralized economies government and ◆ Truman economy ◆ Stalin Capitalism ◆ “Capitalism: economic system in which private individuals and business firms carry on the production and exchange of goods and services through a complex network of prices and markets.” ◆ http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_7 61576596/Capitalism.html Communism ◆ “Communism: a theory and system of social and political organization …sought to overthrow capitalism through a workers’ revolution and establish a system in which property is owned by the community as a whole rather than by individuals. “ ◆ http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_76 1572241/communism.html Communism or Capitalism? ◆ Activity: – For the following statements, determine if the statement is associated with communism or capitalism Statements: ◆ “No private person should be allowed to profit from the work from other citizens” VERSUS ◆ “Any person should be free to start a business and employ people” ◆ “Opportunity for all” VERSUS ◆ “Fairness and equality for all” ◆ “Any profit he or she makes is reward for hard work.” VERSUS ◆ “All profits, instead of going into the pockets of one owner or even shareholders, goes to the state- everyone benefits.” ◆ “Average standard of living higher, but a wide spread between rich and poor.” VERSUS ◆ “Lower average standard of living, but (in theory) everyone is equal.” ◆ “A free economy.” VERSUS ◆ “a controlled economy” ◆ “Only one party of government- no need for anymore.” VERSUS ◆ “Choice of many parties for government, chosen by the people.” Post WWII (cont.) ◆ March 1946- former British Prime Minister Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech – Recognized threat of Soviet expansion into central Europe – Wanted to stop this from happening – USSR maintained forces in Hungary, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia American Reaction ◆ March 1947: Truman Doctrine ◆ USA would intervene “to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures” ◆ Truman would use $400 million in aid to assist governments in Greece and Turkey – Policy of containment –Marshall Plan (1947-1951)- money and aid to help rebuild war torn Europe. Refused by Soviets in July 1948
