Legacy of WWII

War’s Human Cost 20 million troops killed Millions of civilians killed 21 million refugees

Economic Winners and Losers Many countries in ruins –

the US came out on top Marshall Plan – US gave

$13 billion to rebuild Europe

Changes in American Society Millions of soldiers came home

– baby boom GI Bill – economic and

educational assistance for troops

Housing demand up

Nuremburg Trials Nazi leaders tried with

war crimes 197 tried and convicted

(13 executed)

Creation of UN Replace League of

Nations as international peace keeping organization

International Tensions Creation of Israel Origins of the Cold War