World War II’s Implications on America’s Government and Society

                       World War II’s Implications on America’s Government and Society

                                                                          

World War II was one of the most destructive wars in history, lasting six years, resulting in the deaths of thousands, and involving more than thirty countries. World War II was greatly influenced by the aftermath of World War I. The war was between the allies, France, Britain, the U.S., and the Soviet Union, and the Axis powers, Germany, Japan, and Italy. It was a total war, involving all resources to win. World War II was greatly influenced by the aftermath of World War I, sparked by Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939. Adolf Hitler, chancellor of Germany, instigated this war and committed many evils, particularly against the Jews during this time. Before their first invasion, Germany merged with Austria and moved into Czechoslovakia to protect Germans living there. Soon after, Kristallnacht, “The Night of Broken Glass” broke out, an event of violence against the Jews, and Germany took the rest of Czechoslovakia. Germany signed a “non-aggression” pact with the Soviet Union, dividing Eastern Europe into Soviet and German spheres of influence. After signing the non-aggression pact with the Soviets Germany made their first invasion in World War II. Soon after, Germany invaded Denmark, Norway, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Japan and Italy joined the Axis powers side of the conflict. At first, Britain attempted to appease Hitler, hoping to avoid war, but eventually, Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union invaded Poland as well resulting in Poland’s fall. Germany’s U-boats attacked Britain’s naval ships in a battle that lost over 100 vessels. Germany swept through Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands in a “blitzkrieg”, or lightning war. Britain responded by removing their troops from Dunkirk as Germany approached, and the French forces built a resistance. On the brink of collapse, Italy allied with Hitler, The Pact of Steel. Germany took France and turned towards the British Channel, bombing Britain mercilessly. British Churchill, prime minister of Britain, received aid from the U.S. Hitler broke the non-aggression pact and invaded Russia unsuccessfully due to Russia’s harsh winters. The United States combated Japan after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, a U.S. naval base. The Allies began to win the war in 1943 and brought the war to an end with Germany’s surrender in 1945.

World War II transformed the American government and society by becoming the leader of the “free world.” This was the beginning of a new era for the United States. This great war resulted in economic changes, new inventions, social movements, and new foreign relations. At the end of the war, the United States had made a statement to the world.

Many inventions helped the United States win World War II. The following inventions transformed warfare: jeeps, computers, duct tape, rubber, and the atomic bomb. The jeep mobilized war, allowing for faster transportation. Computers could perform thousands of calculations in a second, revolutionizing mathematics and eventually moving into the private sector of life. Duct tape sealed ammunition packages and is still used to fix things today. The most dramatic invention, the atomic bomb, changed the face of war forever. The United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, resulting in the ending of World War II. These inventions helped to increase the scale of war by outproducing their enemies and fighting more efficiently.

              Post World War II the United States obtained notable economic power. American citizens were ready to spend after years of rationing resulting in a robust economy. Jobs were plentiful, and America’s GNP rose to more than $500 thousand million, leaving our country with the most economic power. The invention of the automobile helped the economy to prosper by the creation of hundreds of new jobs and the introduction of the highway system. Most Americans owned a car after the war. There was a dramatic increase in housing, houses, which Americans were ready to buy. Money streamlined into the housing business and the government policies promoted home ownership. The housing boom caused Americans to move to the suburbs, causing cities to grow rapidly. The focus transitioned to the space race leading to an increase in white-collar jobs. The postwar economy was influenced by the rise of new industries, especially in aviation and electronics adding to the job market. Television introduced a new form of advertising; that influenced consumer spending. Due to the dramatic increase in jobs and spending the United States’ economy was stronger than it ever was before.

              After World War II the United States had a strong presence in foreign affairs. Due to the rise of the dollar the United States had great standing in the “free world”. Before the end of the war, the United States created the International Monetary Fund (INF) and the World Bank to discourage another world war. The World Bank and INF aimed to supervise the passage of funds between nations, a massive influence in foreign affairs. The war also resulted in the creation of the United Nations, led by the United States, of which the United States is still an influential member today. America wanted to help other countries rebuild after the war and did so through the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan contributed over $13 billion to rebuild Europe; in return, the U.S. had an increase in foreign influence. America also had a large role in the creation of plans regarding the Axis powers postwar. The United States teamed with Britain during the Yalta Conference to decide on war reparations for Germany and the treatment of other nations regarding the war. The United States’ decision to remain friendly with the Soviets made a lasting impression on nations throughout the world. The United State’s upstanding power and presence in crucial decisions regarding the Axis powers truly positioned America as a “leader of the free world”.

              Not only did the war create a lasting foreign reputation and booming economy, but lasting societal changes also occurred in the United States. More women than ever before had experienced working outside the home than ever before and wished to continue. Even though many women did not get to keep their jobs after the war, women in the workforce stayed in the minds of many. A few decades later it was common to see women in the workforce. The fight for civil rights became aggressive for minorities, and they began to see progress toward their goal of equal rights. African Americans achieved many firsts including opportunities in sports and the end of segregation. After WWII the United States experienced a Baby boom. 4.2 million babies were born between 1946-1964. This boom in babies impacted the buildings needed, marketing trends, and crime rates in the United States. All these changes were influenced by the rise of the Cold War, an ideological rivalry between the U.S. and the USSR. The tensions between the countries came to a head through the new threats of Communism and the atomic bombs which were now common ideas in the American’s consciousness. Ultimately, World War II had a dramatic impact on most parts of American society and generations after.

              World War II had lasting implications for the United States government, economy, and society. After World War II the United States became a world leader due to its use of resources and powerful foreign influence. Life in America was changed forever by the dramatic changes made by government officials and individual citizens.

              World War II is etched into the minds of Americans as one of the greatest tragedies in history, and yet will always be remembered as the revolution of war it was. The seeds of progress that were sown because of WWII cannot be understated for those alive after that war and people remembering it today. The implications of the war are what it can tell us about Americans, innovative, patriotic, persistent, and hard-working. The effects of World War II still live in the consciousness of many Americans today.

              The United States still inherits the benefits from its involvement in World War II. Our country is still an active member of the United Nations and recognized as an influential figure in foreign policy. The inventions created during the war are still used and have only enhanced the lives of everyday citizens. Our society has benefited from the progress in women’s and minorities’ rights which were sparked by the challenges World War II brought to the forefront of the minds of everyday Americans. World War II cannot be forgotten because it affected society and government in ways that changed the lives of average American citizens alive today.

Sources

 

Avalon Project, Avalon Project. “War Trade Between Switzerland and the Axis Powers.” Avalon Project - War Trade between Switzerland and the Axis Powers, 1945, avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/swiss.asp.

Avalon Project, Avalon Project. “Yalta Conference.” The Avalon Project : Yalta (Crimea) Conference, 1945, avalon.law.yale.edu/wwii/yalta.asp.

Eisenhower, David. “World War II and Its Meaning for Americans.” Foreign Policy Research Institute, 10 Aug. 2016, www.fpri.org/article/2007/05/world-war-ii-and-its-meaning-for-americans/.

Foreign Service Institute, Office of the Historian. “The Yalta Conference, 1945.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, 2023, history.state.gov/milestones/1937-1945/yalta-conf#:~:text=The%20Americans%20and%20the%20British,territories%20liberated%20from%20Nazi%20Germany.

TEA, Texas Education Agency. “World War II Impact on U.S. Economy and Society.” World War II Impact on U.S. Economy and Society | Texas Gateway, www.texasgateway.org/resource/world-war-ii-impact-us-economy-and-society.

Unknown, Unknown. “World War II Battles: Timeline.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 2023, www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-battles-timeline.