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About Tom
Expertise
While it is a huge topic, I am well-versed in World War II generally. There is a huge wealth of information available on the internet, HOWEVER, one has to know the trash from the gems. Many sites which are not obviously credible (govt, university, and museum sites, for ex.), provide erroneous information (intentionally or otherwise).
Experience
BA in history, and been reading and studying WW2 as my 'hobby' for 30 years. Regular contributor to several online forums in military history, WW2, and related areas and topics.
Organizations
None relevant to this topic.
Education/Credentials
BA, History (Secondary Education), with minor in Geography
US Army Engineer Officer (Officer Basic and Advanced Courses)
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You are here: Experts > Homework Help > 20th Century History > 20th Century History > 20th Century History
Expert: Tom
Date: 4/30/2008
Subject: 20th Century History
Question
How did WWII transform the United States's international role?
Answer
This is almost a case of asking it in reverse - how did WW2 NOT transform the US' international role.
* We went from being a nation of near isolationism, to being the leader of the free world.
* We went from a nation that refused foriegn alliances - we didn't even have a defense treaty with Canada - to having alliances across the globe (most notably and famously NATO).
* We went from being a major - but just one of several - nation on world economic stage, to being the powerhouse engine behind not just the world economy, but behind world financial markets, and the nation that finances reconstruction from Korea to Italy, from Philippines to Germany.
* We went from a nation who did not want to be part of the League of Nations, to being a founding member and host of the new United Nations, and advocating its use for international diplomacy and discussions.
* and in a small side note, prior to WW2, very few Americans traveled outside of the country, and most of those were either the wealthy (who went esp. to Europe) or US govt representatives. As a result of WW2, the US sent troops across the globe, with very large numbers going all across Pacific (Hawaii, Aleutians, Australia, south Pacific, right up to Japan), Europe, even Africa, Burma, China and the Middle East. Post-war, the US kept occupation troops in distant lands (Philippines, Japan, Korea, Germany, Italy) which again gave hundreds of thousands of common Americans the chance to visit foriegn lands. Over the years, many thousands of foriegn brides came back to America.
I hope this helps - the topic is huge, esp. in the details, but basically, everything changed, as the US came out of WW2 as the strongest nation on earth, with the largest navy ever seen, an enormous industrial base and overflowing with energy and optimism.
tom
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