Group 8: Partition Of Germany, Reconstruction Of Japan, G.I. Bill, Baby Boom

1. Group 8: Partition Of Germany, Reconstruction Of Japan, G.I. Bill, Baby Boom Sarah Guirguis & Elizabeth McConnell

2. International

3. Partition of Germany: the Facts • The allies divided Germany after the German surrender on May 8, 1945 • It was divided into zones controlled by America, France, Britain, and the U.S.S.R. Berlin, the capital, was also divided into four separate zones. • The separate zones each had their own armies. • The zones belonging to the U.S., Britain, and France instituted a common currency. This caused the U.S.S.R to fear that the three separate zones would unify. • The U.S.S.R’s fear led to the blockade of Berlin (Berlin was located in the U.S.S.R’s zone). This eventually led to the Berlin Airlift. • Later, the three zones became West Germany and the U.S.S.R’s zone because East Germany

4. Partition of Germany: The Map • Partition of Germany: • West Germany: British zone, French zone, American zone. • East Germany: U.S.S.R. zone • Partition of Berlin: • West Berlin: British zone, French zone, American zone • East Berlin: U.S.S.R. zone • West and East Berlin were separated by the Berlin wall.

5. Partition of Germany: The impact • The partition of Germany boosted America’s position in the world. The U.S. was a major leader during the creation of West Germany and played a pivotal role in “protecting” the Western Democratic values. The other European nations saw America as a leader and power during this situation. America’s involvement in the partition of Germany truly showed the world that the U.S. had become a leading nation that could compete with powers like France, and Britain. Soon, America was seen as a power much greater than France and Britain.

6. Reconstruction of Japan: THE Facts • The reconstruction of Japan was mainly between 1945 and 1952. • The U.S. was an occupying force in Japan after Japan’s surrender. • The U.S. forces enacted reforms throughout Japan. • The main goals of reconstruction were: disarm Japan, deal with Japan’s colonies (primarily Korea and Taiwan), stabilize the economy, and prevent remilitarization. • The plans for reconstruction began during wartime conferences. • The U.S. also aimed to combat Communism.

7. Reconstruction of japan: the facts • The three phases of the occupation of Japan: • Punishment and reform of Japan (1945-1947) • Many changes for Japanese government and society • Punished by holding war crime trials in Tokyo • 2. Stabilizing the economy (1947-1950) • They also attempted to combat the influence of Communism while ensuring a stable Japanese economy • Creating a formal peace treaty and alliance (1950-1952) • They worked to create a stable political and economic future for Japan and end occupation with a peace treaty and an alliance

8. Reconstruction of japan: the impact • This situation was also a major boost for America in world affairs. America led the Allies in the reconstruction of Japan post-war. The American General MacArthurur (left in photo) led the military, political, social, and economic reforms enacted in Japan. The U.S. once again was able to prove its dominance and capability in world affairs.

9. Domestic

10. G.i. Bill: The FACTS • The GI Bill is also known as The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944. • This was a law that provided benefits for servicemen.It was originally created for WWII veterans, but later included veterans of other wars. • Created to avoid the issues of WWI, like the Bonus March. • Some of the benefits included: • Low-cost mortgages • Low-interest loans to start a business or farm • Cash payments of tuition and living expenses for college • High school or vocational education • One year of unemployment compensation

11. G.I. Bill • The G.I. Bill does not show a conservative attitude. The G.I. Bill shows how the government has progressed in it’s ideas on the treatment of returning servicemen. After WWI, the veterans were disgruntled and began the Bonus March because of the government’s actions (mainly, their lack of action). Because of situations like the Bonus March, U.S. leaders stressed the importance of the G.I Bill. It provided extensive help to veterans, that had been before un-heard-of.

12. Baby Boom: the facts • The baby boom peaked in 1957, with 4.3 million babies born that year alone. • Roughly one baby was born every 7 seconds. • Soldiers returning from war wanted the “American Dream” of having a house, a car, and most importantly a family. • The Increase in child birth coupled with the decline in the mortality rate caused a rapid increase in population. • This shaped family/social life because many women left work to care for their children. • The Baby Boom also created a demand for many services including teachers, and diaper production.

13. Baby Boom • The Baby Boom showed a return to conservative values. Women who had previously been employed, left the workforce to become mothers. The idea of the “American Dream” also shows a return to the ideals of the past. The progress women had made during WWII diminished some, as women left the work force.