After the World Cried
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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 Europes 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 Europes 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 70sJapan 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 in the world. Only the USA has a higher GNP. The Japanese currency is the Yen.
Exports: Japans main export goods are cars, electronic devices and computers. Most important single trade partner is the USA which imports more than one quarter of all Japanese exports. Other major export countries are Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, China and Singapore.
Imports: Japan has a large surplus in its export/import balance. The most important import goods are raw materials such as oil, foodstuffs, and wood. Major suppliers are the USA, China, Indonesia, South Korea, and Australia.
Industries: Manufacturing, construction, distribution, real estate, services, and communication are Japans major industries today. Agriculture makes up only about 2% of the GNP. Most important agricultural product is rice. Resources of raw materials are very limited and the mining industry rather small. (Wright p. 234)
Communism in the USSR was doomed from the onset looking less to be desired as well as the Japanese economy but for different reasons. Communism was condemned due to lack of support from other nations, condemned due to corruption within its leadership, condemned due to the moral weakness of humanity, making what is perfect on paper, ineffective in the real world. The end of this system was very violent. It left one of the two most powerful nations in the world fearful of what was to come. Communism can either be called a concept or system of society. In a society that follows the communist beliefs groups own the major resources and means of production, rather than a certain individual. In theory, Communism is to provide equal work, and benefits to all in a specific society. Communism is derived from many ancient resources, including Platos Republic and early Christian communities. In 1917, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their Communist Manifesto finalized the philosophy of Communism.( Broken Empire : After the Fall of