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REASONS WHY THE USA AND THE USSR EMERGED AS SUPERPOWERS AFTER 1945 -…
REASONS WHY THE USA AND THE USSR EMERGED AS SUPERPOWERS AFTER 1945
POLITICAL
For the West, the outcome of World War 2 showed that the ideals of democracy and international collaboration had triumphed over fascism. Thus the political system of the USA was the right path for the future.
For the Soviet Union, it was Communism that had triumphed over fascism. Indeed, Communism had gained widespread respect in Political Europe because of its part in resisting the Germans.
The USSR’s huge losses, and the role of the Red Army in defeating the Nazis, gave Stalin a claim to great influence in forming the post-war world.
The USSR had the political (as well as military) strength to prevent a return to instability in Eastern Europe. Communism could fill the political vacuum there.
ECONOMIC
Both the USA and the USSR had benefitted from supplying arms & munitions during World War 2.
The USA’s economy was strengthened by the war. It was now able to outproduce all the other powers put together.
The USA was committed to more ‘open trade’. Its politicians and business people wanted to ensure liberal trade, and market competition flourished.
The United States was willing to play an active role in avoiding the re. Economic emergence of the disastrous pre-war pattern of trade-blocs and tariffs.
The USA had the economic strength to prevent a return to instability in Europe.
The small Eastern European countries that had been created after World War One were not economically viable on their own, so they needed the support of a stronger neighbour, and the USSR could replace Germany in this role.
USA out produced all other powers put together.
The USSR lacked any strong military neighbors. This made them a regional power.
MILITARY
To defeat Germany, the USA had become the number one air-force power in the world.
To defeat Germany, the USSR had become the number one land-force power in the world.
France and Britain’s inability to defeat Germany had changed the balance of power. They had become ‘second rank’ powers.
The USSR now lacked any strong military neighbours. This made it the regional power.