The Rebirth of the West: The Americanization of the Democratic World, 1945-1958

When World War II ended, Europe lay prostrate. Millions had been killed; tens of millions more were destitute or had fled. Hunger, deprivation, misery and hatred characterized the continent. Acute economic, political and social problems seemed insoluable. Yet the years following World War II witnessed perhaps the greatest success story in Western history – the European democracies recovered in a series of economic miracles. Apart from the determination of the peoples themselves, a key factor in the success was the deep involvement of the United States. The US provided dollars and ideas and profoundly influenced education, research, technology, business and art. Europe in effect was partially Americanized.

Cod: 9781557860897