The document outlines the transition from World War II to the Cold War, detailing key events such as the invasion of Poland in 1939, the formation of the Tripartite Pact, and the U.S. entry into the war after Pearl Harbor in 1941. It highlights the economic growth of the U.S. during the war, with significant increases in GNP and industrial output, while other nations, particularly Germany and Japan, were left devastated. The document concludes with a reflection on the balance of power post-war, noting the U.S. dominance and the challenges that could arise in maintaining peace.

1. World War To Cold WarInternational Relations 1939  1945

2. Who Fought Whom?GERMANY INVADES POLAND 1939NAZI-SOVIET PACT 1939So, who was fighting whom at this point?TRIPARTITE PACT 1940

3. Where Was the USA?Isolationism key foreign policy of 1930sLend Lease Programme established March 1941Bombing of Pearl Harbor December 1941 brought USA into World War IILasted throughout war – and had to be repaid afterwardsTotalled $50.1 (= $700bn today)An example of the economic wealth and power of the USA

4. Who Fought Whom? (2)Pearl Harbor – December 1941So, who are the Axis Powers and who are the Allies now?Operation Barbarossa June 1941

5. World War II Changed EuropeThe ‘Grand Alliance’ based solely on defeating Hitler Previously suspicions and mistrust since at least 1917Would the Alliance hold?

6. 1945: State of the Nations 1LondonStalingradWashington DCBerlinHiroshima

7. 1945: State of the Nations 2USA physically untouched by World War 2Phenomenal economic growth due to warGNP rose 60%Industry expanded 40%Farmers’ incomes quadrupledWeekly wages of industrial workers rose 70%

8. Balance Of PowerUSSR occupying Eastern Europe and areas of Asia and Middle EastBritain and France still have empires – justUSA dominants world economicallyUSA also has atomic monopolyGermany and Japan destroyed Britain, France and Europe economically very weak

9. Prospects for Peace?What problems can you foresee developing after World War Two, based on what you have already covered?