Ap Euro Pgs 700-721 U10

Postwar Recovery and Stability in Western Europe

- Bleak Outlook in Late 1940s:

After World War II, Europe faced terrible economic conditions. Infrastructure was damaged, inflation was rampant. The situation was dire with severe shortages, but recovery began with external aid, notably from the Marshall Plan in 1948.

- Economic Growth Driven by Cooperation:

- The Korean War (1950) stimulated further economic activity, leading to rapid growth lasting into the late 1960s, termed the "economic miracle".

- Reasons for this economic recovery included:

- American Aid: Initial support through the Marshall Plan, which provided over $12 billion (equivalent to approximately $100 billion today) for the recovery of Western Europe.

- Political Consensus: Governments focused on economic policies to avoid stagnation like in the 1930s, adopting Keynesian economics emphasizing government intervention for economic stability.

- Mix of Planning and Free Market: Leaders used a blend of government planning and capitalism to stimulate growth, resulting in nationalizations (e.g., coal and steel industries in France) and social benefits funded through high taxes.

- Key Dates:

1948 - Marshall Plan initiated;

1950 - Korean War begins.

Political and Social Changes

- New Political Leaders:

Post-war politics saw the rise of Christian Democratic parties, such as the Christian Democracy party in Italy and the Gaullist Party in France, gaining traction by promoting reconciliation and stability, roughly aligned with the Catholic Parties of prior decades. These parties sought to distance themselves from radical ideologies.

- In countries like Italy (1946) and France (1946), Christian Democrats became dominant, reflecting public war fatigue and a desire for stability.

- Rise of Socialists and Communists:

In some nations, ex-resistance leaders from the left gained significant influence pushing for reforms. The Italian Communist Party became one of the largest parties in post-war Italy during the late 1940s.

- Social Policies: Governments implemented various social policies, including:

- Free market economics alongside government interventions

- Establishment of welfare states with health care, education subsidies, and public transportation.

Economic Unity and Integration

- European Economic Community (EEC): Establishing cooperation among nations aimed at economic integration, promoting the free movement of goods and labor.

The Treaty of Rome (1957) further broadened EEC objectives to include common economic policies, signed by six founding nations: France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

- The idea was that economic ties would eliminate the possibility of war among member states.

Consumer Revolution

- Postwar Affluence: Increased economic growth spurred a consumer revolution characterized by:

- Widespread availability of goods such as cars, appliances, and electronics. By 1965, car ownership surged from 5 million to 44 million in Western Europe, representing a fundamental shift in lifestyle.

- The consumer market fuelled economic progress, showcasing Western economies' superiority compared to Eastern counterparts, with products like Volkswagen Beetle and Frigidaire refrigerators becoming symbols of Western prosperity.

Patterns in Eastern Bloc Development

- Soviet Control and Economic Challenges: In Eastern Europe, Soviet influence led to authoritarian regimes, with economic systems focusing primarily on heavy industry while neglecting consumer goods. This led to chronic shortages and dissatisfaction among the populace.

- Protests and Rebellions: The harsh conditions led to unrest, notably:

- East Germany Uprising (1953) resulted from poor living conditions and was suppressed violently by Soviet troops.

- Hungarian Revolution (1956) sought independence and reforms, was similarly quashed by Soviet forces, resulting in thousands of casualties.

- Analysis of Communist Governance: New communist regimes focused on repressive control while engaging in limited reform under leaders like Khrushchev, who pushed for consumer goods production and political complacency.

Leading Social Changes in Postwar Europe

- Changing Class Structure: Economic and social reforms blurred traditional class lines, strengthening the middle class through job creation and education, significantly shaped by programs such as the GI Bill in the U.S.

- Migration Patterns: This period also saw significant migrations from rural to urban areas, as well as across borders to wealthier nations, driven largely by guest worker programs, attracting labor from places like Turkey and North Africa to support booming economies.

- Women's Changing Roles: Women increasingly entered the workforce, motivated by economic necessity, though they faced many barriers regarding pay and domestic responsibilities.

- Youth Culture: The postwar baby boom led to a distinct youth culture characterized by changing fashion, music (rock and roll influence), and emerging educational opportunities. Political movements often rallied around youth as they questioned established norms. Notable events included the series of student demonstrations in May 1968 in France.

Conclusion

- The aftermath of World War II saw a profound transformation across Europe as nations adjusted politically, economically, and socially. The Western European recovery, marked by rapid growth and integration efforts, contrasted sharply with the oppressive conditions in the East Bloc, leading to significant cultural and social changes that shaped