Why Was World War II A Turning Point In The United States?

Since its revolution from Britain, America has been an isolationist country, determined to not get involved in foreign affairs in order to focus on reforming itself. It was not until the world wars that the United States started to depart from its traditional isolist practices and provide aid to nations in need. It was specifically after World War II that the United States started to develop into an internationalist nation. In fact, World War II was a turning point in the United States that helped the country out of the Great Depression, brought about social reform for marginalized groups, and led to the United States' emergence as a global power. It was the U.S changing their familiar ways that guided them to becoming the powerful nation it

Rather than going back into isolation, the U.S. decided it wanted to promote peace and prosperity and rebuild Europe. Despite sponsoring the allies and recovering from the great depression, America continued to have a booming economy after the war. However, the United States had no one buy their goods and products due to the economies of their previous buyers being in ruins. The Secretary of State, George C. Marshall had an idea of how to fix America’s lack of clientele. In 1947 he announced a multi-billion-dollar plan to help countries in the Western Hemisphere. The war led many European nations' economies to collapse in addition to their political instability, and the United States did not want Europe to be in a weak position that the Soviet Union could abuse and conquer. The program promoted economic expansion, raised the quality of life, and repaired infrastructure. It accomplished this by modernizing industrial equipment, removing trade prohibitions, raising agricultural output, and enhancing transportation systems. The strategy was effective, and along with improving living standards in Western Europe, it also increased American exports and assisted companies that were struggling during the Great Depression. Additionally, the Marshall plan gave the United States economic influence in the Western Hemisphere. The United States gained significant allies

After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States declared war, America was determined to harm the Japanese city of Hiroshima, using a new technology, the atomic bomb. The government called this top-secret plan the Manhattan project, and only those directly involved were aware of its existence. It was unclear what impact this bomb would have on Hiroshima. Even the most qualified scientist was unable to predict the exact impacts of the atomic bomb. The ozone layer is destroyed, abolishing humankind, or having no effect at all, we're all real possibilities that were taken into consideration. The United States urged Japan to surrender after attacking Hiroshima, but they refused. The U.S. then used its second atomic bomb on Nagasaki. Fortunately, the bomb did not destroy the world, it did, however, had devastating consequences. Thousands of people were killed instantly, and cities, and homes were destroyed. It is predicted that over 200,000 citizens died from both direct impact and radiation exposure. The atomic bomb was used as a method of intimidation to demonstrate to Japan and the rest of the world that attacking the United States has grave consequences. Radiation contamination from the atomic bomb still has an impact on Hiroshima's population today. The world was stunned by the atomic bomb's horrific effects, which contributed to