Why did the United states help recover the economy in Europe during 1948-1951 during the end of world war II?

Question

identify two ways the united states used its position as the strongest and wealthiest nation in the world to shape economic recovery in Europe. Present facts to support each example.

Answer 1

Two words - Lend Lease program.

The U.S was worried that a poor, war ravaged Europe would be ideal recruiting grounds for communism. The U.S and Britain were also concerned that Soviet power in Europe would expand in Europe, leading to the continental domination by Soviet Union. Something that neither U.S nor Britain could stand.

Answer 2

The "why" is easy. At the end of the first world war, nothing was provided to Germany to rebuild following the war and that resulted in a strongman coming to power riding on the discontent of the German people.

Not wanting that to happen again, the united States provided the funds necessary to restore the infrastructure of Germany and Japan.

As far as being "strong and wealthy", that's questionable. It was all borrowed money that's still being paid back.

You think your taxes are used for government programs? You're only half-right. Your taxes pay back the loans taken out by the Johnson administration for the war on poverty. Your grandchildren will be paying for the current war on terror.

Ever see a middle-aged guy driving a beat-up old Cadillac? When he bought it people thought he was wealthy, they didn't know he got a 10-year loan at 19% interest so he could look good for three years, then condemn himself to another 7 years driving an old wreck.

Same thing with the National Debt. We looked "strong and wealthy" after WWII, but we're now awash in debt and about ready to collapse economically.

Try buying a jar of coffee creamer, it's $14.00!!!

Did you know a Mercedes Benz headlight is $1,500?

Soon you'll need a wheel-barrow full of money to buy groceries.

Wealthy indeed!
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Answer 3

The Marshall plan was the fastest way for Western Europeon Countries.
The US saw a strong Europe as a buffer against the Warsaw Pact.

Answer 4

It was needed to counter the soviet threat and to maintain the height of production that was prevalent at the end of the war. So that we would not have the glut of over produced goods that helped cause the great depression at the end of the first world war.. massive layoffs that would have resulted from production cuts coupled with large numbers of troops returning to find less job would have sent the world economies into a tail spin. and back to the same situation that led to the war.

Answer 5

I'll tell you one thing the US did, and then you have to find out how and why. The Marshall Plan!

Answer 6

i wont do your homework for you but you can check out

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/marshall/