America s World War I - 1725 Words

Before World War I, America had been primarily an isolationist nation with little dealings with the world. As time went on America took more of a role in world affairs. With World War II and the post war, America took its place as one of the most dominant nations in the world. Post war, America’s economy led the world and helped rebuild war ravaged nations. Government efficiency in the economy and increased production led America to emerge as one of the biggest economic powerhouses in the world. Before America entered World War II the economy was starting to explode with new found production capabilities. The Great Depression left America with a reduced production capability, but with a large flow of money coming from Britain, more†¦show more content†¦However, a new source of laborers joined the ranks of factory lines to help support the nation in the war against the Axis. â€Å"The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor evoked a widespread wave of patriotism and national purpose. Few Americans, black or white, dissented from a war spirit intensified by media publicity and a government-orchestrated campaign to rally round the flag† (Harper 109). The government, needing new and able bodies, campaigned unions and minorities to help support the war effort. Minority unions pledged one hundred percent commitment to the war effort in hopes of being a more equal force in the economy once the war was over. Jobs once only held by white men were now being given to minoritie s and women. This hugely untapped area of manpower was needed to supply all of the new factories that were being built. Production power from these factories eclipsed anything the world had ever seen before. After the war some of these new workers left seeing their national duty as done but many stayed and continued to work which was needed to fulfill all of the consumer demand that started to shoot up after the war. After the war domestic and foreign demand was on the rise thanks to the passing of the Marshall Plan which opened up new markets that were in dire need of goods. These new markets also produced the raw materials that were needed to fuel the American economy. The government spent billions trying to rebuild