What led to Germany and Japan speedy economic recovery after world war 2?

Question

Was it due to political reasons and backing from the United States to turn these 2 countries into allies against the communist countries?

Do these 2 countries had what it takes to create their own economical miracles compared to the performance by Uk, France and Italy after the war.

Answer 1

I wouldn't necessarily characterize it as speedy. Some might argue that some parts of the old East Germany still have not recovered.

The biggest reason for not only Germany's recovery but the recover of almost all of Western Europe was the Marshall Plan.

In the case of Japan they owe much of their success to their own work ethic as well as allied aid.

While the cold war was a huge factor in that era it was not the only reason for helping restore their economies. If you will recall Germany's punishment after WWI was very harsh in economical terms. Many of the policy makers of the day agreed that the conditions placed on Germany after WWI led to their aggression which ultimately spilled into a second world war. They were determined to not make the same mistakes and after WWII were much less harsh on the loosing nations in a concerted effort to quell any feelings of animosity toward allied countries.

Both Japan and Germany had a fairly well educated population which is ultimately what allowed them to recover. Outside aid may have helped but if left on their own eventually they would have recovered. It just would have taken much, much longer and would have at least required the acquiescecence of the allies. The fact that the allies decided not only to acquies but to assist is the main reason it happened in the amount of time it did.

Answer 2

Speedy economic recovery? You're joking, right? It took both countries over 10 years to emerge as any sort of a major economic power in their region thanks largely to BILLIONS in American and British aid. It wasn't until the late 50s and early 60's did WEST GERMANY (remember east germany was under communist control for 45 years) that Germany emerged on the global automobile market with the Volkswagon. And it wasn't until the 60's that Japan emerged on the global market thanks largely to the success of Godzilla movies! So if you're asking this question because Iraq is still an economic mess after 4 years, you might be jumping the gun in terms of your expectations.

Answer 3

In Europe, it was the Marshall plan that helped get these countries back on their feet. In Japan, much of the credit goes to the resourcefulness of the Japanese people, the support from Douglas MacArthur, and I'm sure American money helped, too !

The UK was devastaed economically from the effects of WWII. It is a strong and economically secure nation, and one that accepted minimal help in re-building, unlike France and Italy that would suck the coffers dry, if you let them !

Answer 4

Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. the US went to warfare with them by way of fact of that. Germany and Italy had a mutual protection %. with Japan, so while the US declared warfare on Japan, Germany and Italy rapidly declared warfare on the US. We have been already backing Britain and France with help for struggling with Germany and Italy.

Answer 5

The USA...We protected them and flooded them with money and inititives,,,the exact same thing we are attempting to do in Iraq...Problem with Iraq, is the insurgency, that does not want Iraq to succeed and the Liberals at home that only want us to fail...We have many enemies with Iraq, whereas the German and Japanese people were sick of war and wanted peace and harmony with a future. Iraqi insurgents and Liberals want Iraq to remain in the Old Testament

Answer 6

Half of Germany became communist if you remember. It wasn't as quick as you might think. The reconstruction process took over 10 years.

Answer 7

Both countries can thank America, the UK, and other allies for making them what they are today.

Answer 8

Capitalism.

Answer 9

how did the macarthur constitution conflict us government's interests?

Answer 10

American tax money