What were the Allied Plans for German Industry after World War II?

Introduction The industrial plans for Germany were designs the Allies of World War II considered imposing on Germany in the Aftermath of World War II to reduce and manage Germany’s industrial capacity. Background At the Potsdam conference (July-August 1945), with the US seeking to implement the Morgenthau plan, drawn up by Henry Morgenthau Jr, the… Read More

What was the Morgenthau Plan?

Introduction The Morgenthau Plan was a proposal to eliminate Germany’s ability to wage war following World War II by eliminating its arms industry and removing or destroying other key industries basic to military strength. This included the removal or destruction of all industrial plants and equipment in the Ruhr. It was first proposed by United… Read More

What was the Marshall Plan (US)?

Introduction The Marshall Plan (officially the European Recovery Programme, ERP) was an American initiative enacted in 1948 to provide foreign aid to Western Europe. The United States transferred over $13 billion (equivalent of about $115 billion in 2021) in economic recovery programmes to Western European economies after the end of World War II. Replacing an… Read More