After the World Cried

AFTER THE WORLD CRIED

In years after the conclusion of World War II the worlds economy had to build itself up and get itself back on its feet. Through destruction and financial stress the world as a hole would eventually build itself back up and thrive through hard work and a steady sense of nationalism to be the very best.

The second World War wiped out Europe’s economic base as well as their self confidence in their ability to defend themselves effectively. Right after the war was over there were different avenues of cooperation by the putting together of different organizations such as the OEEC (Organization for European Economic Cooperation) in 1948 to distribute Marshal Aid; and in 1960 the OEEC was redefined as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In the late 50s and the early 60s there was rapid growth in the economy.(War, Economy and Society: 1939-1945, ALAN S. MILWARD p. 258) The EEC was proving to be quite successful. Until their was a mild setback when President De Gaulle came into power for wanting European integration to be conducted with a confederate structure. From 1970 to 1990, Eastern European nations realized they needed a change in their governments as well as economies. Politically, reformers wanted to end party-state dictatorships and move towards a democracy. Economically, centrally planned economies were unsuccessful due to increased bureaucracy, excessive centralization, and debt obligation.

Revolutions in Eastern Europe changed countries towards market-oriented economies and democracies. Countries of the Eastern European had a similar goal in the 1970s and 1980s: to end party-state dictatorships. Under party-state dictatorships, one political party dominated the government and citizens had little participation in the government. Reformers wanted opposition parties and multiparty elections. Eastern Europe’s repressive governments suppressed any and all anti-Communist rebellions and criticisms of the government. In 1985, Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev introduced his reform of glasnost, or openness. This allowed citizens of Eastern Europe to voice their opinions on the party and government. (MILWARD p.162)

Eastern Europe suffered from many economic problems. Many countries owed debt to Western nations. Central planned economies were inefficient and slowed economic growth. New industries could not be formed due to lack of capital. Productivity halted under bureaucratic control. Many reformers wanted more competition between industries and incentives for workers. Gorbachev introduced his reform of perestroika, or economic liberalization, in 1985, but reformers still were not happy.

Citizens of Eastern Europe responded to economic and political problems by acting against the Communist dictatorships. In Poland, an independent trade union was formed, named Solidarity. Solidarity and its leader, Lech Walesa, demanded free elections and a role in government. In 1989, Solidarity won in an open election and Communist rule ended in Poland. This peaceful, or “velvet,” revolution influenced other countries to act against the government. In Hungary, reform movements such as forming opposition parties turned into revolution. Peaceful demonstrations calling for the Communist dictatorships in East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Bulgaria led to revolution. Romania was the only country that had a violent revolution. (The Ordeal of Total War: 1939-1945 , GORDON WRIGHT p. 45)

The relationship between Japan and Europe has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. The relationship between Japan and Europe are at what could be described as the single biggest turning point in post war history. In the past the relationship has been solely an economic one, characterized by trade frictions and discord. The concept of the US-Europe-Japan three-way relationship being linked, with the Europe-Japan link being much weaker than the other two is seen to be a useful and realistic one. However, in spite of the economic and cultural obstacles in the way of collaboration, contacts at the political level are multiplying steadily as it is recognized that the two regions have many common values and problems. The general trend is towards an improving relationship in the future, but on a different level to that established previously. (WRIGHT p.110)

Now Japan over the past 45 years has experienced some economic difficulties such as rebuilding of the war torn developed country, their oil crises, and the sharp appreciation against the U.S dollar. In the late 70s’Japan started to focus on trade and to begin to bring their economy from under expectation to today being the second strongest in the world The Japanese economy is one of the strongest