Countries After World War II

The Second World War occurred from September 1, 1939 to September 2, 1945 (Adamthwaite & Anthony). The war involved all the super powers of the world. These nations formed two opposing sides which were famously known as the Axis and the Allies (Adamthwaite & Anthony). World War II was the deadliest of all wars the world had ever seen. The atomic bombs that were dropped by the Americans on Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended the war. Following the devastation experienced in the war, there were social, economic and political implications the world over. Amongst countries that experienced consequences in such areas were Egypt, Japan and Peru.

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During the Second World War, Egypt declared herself neutral. However, with Britain still occupying the country and involved in the war, British military bases were established in Cairo and Alexandria. This was particularly strategic due to the point that the Suez Canal was an important passage for military ships. The war then slightly impacted the lives of Egyptians mainly due to the British occupation of their country. However, in 1940s after the fall of France, the war was brought to the borders of Egypt. Britons remained in Egypt and formed alliances with the Egyptian leadership the Royal family. This angered the military officers of Egypt that it led to their (Britons) evacuation from the Suez zone. However, the country was still a constitutional monarchy. Egypt did not realize its self-rule until after the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 when the constitutional monarchy and aristocracy were abolished; hence establishing a republic.

The Egyptian economy has relatively healthy for a long time. With the expulsion of the British from the Suez zone, the Egyptians nationalized the Suez Canal. This passage was important to Western European countries. They used this passage to transport oil from the Middle East and other goods from Eastern Asia. The country started collecting payments for the usage of this canal after the revolution. Thus, this change helped generate revenue for their economy. The other sector of the economy that has continued to grow even after the World Wars is agriculture. Agricultural productivity in Egypt remained high after World War II. With the predictable flooding cycles of River Nile, Egypt was able to grow its own food which supported its growing population. Egypt engaged in trading activities with other countries, hence it earned more revenue from her exports as well as from tourism; the third sector of the economy. The economy of Egypt stabilized over the years making her one of the best performing economies in Africa. The Islamic culture became the dominant culture in the country with modern architectural practices taking center stage in construction.

During the war, Peru was against Japan and Germany. She declared war against these two countries so that she could be accepted in United Nations as a charter member. After the war, Peru experienced many problems in all sectors. The economy of Peru fell far behind. There was political instability in the country as well as social unrest. Different governments were overthrown forcefully paving way for dictatorial rule. The political instability and the unrest in the Peruvian society was brought about by the disparities in the economy. The average Peruvian was poor despite Peru having numerous natural resources which could cater for its populations and have surplus for export. One of the reasons for such high levels of poverty was corruption. It affected many institutions in the country. Such high levels of corruption were characteristic of many regimes under dictators. The consequences of the vices and poor governance was evident in many parts of the country. There were shanty houses in residential areas; which were homes to thousands of people. Diseases, filth, crime, and hunger ravaged the country.

As far as Peruvian economic activities are concerned, agricultural productivity was low and inefficient to cater for the whole population. The health and education services in the country were low and inefficient making the life expectancy and literacy levels to drop. However, despite all that, America intervened and made investments which ensured that people could be employed. This helped in increasing the standards of living in the country. With many earning income, lives improved. The dictatorial rule came to an end soon afterwards and a democratic republic was established. The country receives food and social aids from other countries and beneficiaries to help it cater for its economic needs.

Japan was defeated in the World War II and underwent major changes in terms of political and economic landscapes. America led the allied countries to occupy and rehabilitate Japan. This was until 1952 when they all left Japan. They enacted political, military, social and economic reforms. It was during this period that Japan became a democratic state. With the formation of the democratic state and the Constitution of Japan being enforced, came the dissolution of the Empire of Japan. After the end of the occupation by America and the Allies, Japan became a member of the Western trading bloc. Despite being enemies during the war, America and Japan signed a Security treaty, thus forming an alliance. Between 1960 and 1970, Japans economy grew rapidly becoming an economic power. It was during this time, when Japan constructed numerous nuclear and thermal power plants. In 1973-1985, the country had a stabilized growth and public confidence grew.

Works Cited

Adamthwaite, & Anthony, P. The Making of the Second World War. New York: Routledge. 1992.