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Effects of World War II

Rise of the USSR• The Soviet Union was

at first devastated by the war. They had over 20 million casualties and economically suffered.

• The USSR soon became quite powerful and rivaled the United States as one of the most powerful nations in the world.

• The Soviet Union remained powerful until its demise in 1991.

United Nations• Established on October 24,

1945 this intergovernmental organization replaced the League of Nations in hopes of preventing another world conflict.

• The UN first started with 51 members. It now has 193 members.

• The UN Headquarters is situated in Manhattan, NY.

• Its objectives include maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, fostering social and economic development, protecting the environment, and providing humanitarian aid in cases of famine, natural disaster, and armed conflict.

Demise of Nazi Power and the Nuremberg

Trials• Germany was probably hit

the hardest after the war. They lost their leader Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime was doomed.

• The Nuremberg Trials were held from 1945-1946.

• In Nuremberg, Germany Nazi leaders were tried and punished for their war crimes.

• Punishments included hangings and long jail sentences.

The Cold War

• The Cold War was the tense 40 year standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union.

• Tensions between the two nations started before the end of WWII but did not truly come about until 1947 when the Soviet Union became powerful economically.

• Events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Arms Race happened due to the Cold War.

• The war ended in 1991 with the demise of the soviet Union.

America Becomes an Economic Power Once

Again• The only nation that was

left virtually untouched by the destruction of war was the United States.

• The reason was because the U.S. was better prepared for war since it had begun to prepare for war about a year and a half before the war officially began.

• The Allies winning the war brought America great prosperity and helped bring America out of the Great Depression.

Harry S. Truman and the Truman Doctrine

• The first president without a college education in many years, Harry S. Truman was known as the “average man’s average man.”

• He had a down-home authenticity, few pretentions, and the political ability called “moxie”

• (the ability to face difficulty with courage).

• March 12, 1947- President Truman came before Congress and requested support for the Truman Doctrine.

• Truman Doctrine- President Truman declared that it must be the policy of the U.S. to aid any country resisting communist aggression.

Other Important Effects

• NATO- North Atlantic Treaty Organization- America joined the European organization in 1948 to contain the Soviet Union and provide a framework for the reintegration of Germany into the European family.

• “Fair Deal”- (1949) called for improved housing, full employment, a higher minimum wage, better farm price supports, new TVAs, and an extension of social security.

• Marshall Plan- (1947) led to the eventual creation of the European Community (EC) and helped Europe get back on its feet.

• Fall of Japan- it was in ruins and was under U.S. military power.

• Rise of Communistic China and Mao Zedong- China became powerful from following a new communistic regime.

• Technological Progress- inventions such as the radar, television, computers, and the atomic bomb.

Summary/Timeline• 1945- World War II ends.• 1945- America remains economically

unscathed by war.• February 1945- the United Nations is created.• 1945- Europe, Japan, and Russia are

devastated.• 1945-1946- Nuremberg Trials are held in

Germany.• 1947-1991- The Cold War • March 12, 1947- President Truman came

before Congress and requested support for the Truman Doctrine.

• 1947- The Marshall Plan• 1948- America joins NATO• 1949- The “Fair Deal” is implemented.

What do you think is the most important effect of World War II? Explain why you think this and how this effect still has an impact on the world today.

Conclusion/ Question