A World Reshaped
Reorganizing Europe after World War II
Because the Allied powers, consisting of the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, had agreed upon a strategy of “Defeat Hitler First,” the war in Europe ended before the fighting against Japan in the Pacific theatre of war. In May 1945, Germany surrendered as forces from the Soviet Union conquered the eastern part of the country, while the United States and British forces conquered the western portion of the country. At the end of the war the United States and Great Britain controlled Western Europe, while the Soviet Union controlled Eastern Europe.
In this interactivity, you will discover how Europe was reorganized after the war. Click the player button to begin.
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Marshall Plan
George Marshall was chief of staff at the beginning of World War II, and greatly increased the size of the United States Army. Once the war ended, Marshall became secretary of state for President Harry Truman. In this interactivity, you will explore Marshall's plan to help Europe recover from the devastation caused by the war. Click the player button to begin.
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Germany surrendered to the Allies in May, 1945. Soon after, Japan was attacked with two atomic bombs. In August of that same year, Japan surrendered. Take a moment to watch the video, Japanese Surrender - Cebrick Bragg - WWII: War End from eMediaVASM, and discover the viewpoint of an army air corps sergeant regarding the bombings.
The United States occupied Japan with military forces through the early 1950s. Under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur, the United States worked to help Japan rebuild. Just like Western Germany, Japan also adopted political and economic systems similar to those of its conqueror. The country adopted a democratic form of government, and instituted capitalist economic policies. Japan regained full control of its government in 1952, and has remained a strong ally of the United States since the end of World War II.
A World Reshaped Review
Now that you have learned about how Europe was reorganized after World War II, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click on the player button to get started.