Dealing with Occupied Germany in the Aftermath of World War II - Assignment Example

These proceedings were instituted in a way that allowed the rapid use of Germany’s industrial potential to stimulate Western Europe's economic recovery and growth in the years between 1945 and 1957. The punitive measures went hand in hand with reconciliatory measures to avoid resistance in the future. The United States provided Western Europe with the necessary resources for economic reconstruction under the aid plan known as the Marshall plan (Dobbins et al, 2003). This was done in exchange for cooperation.

Additionally, the United States maintained its military presence in Germany and other occupied Western Europe Countries to prevent the resurfacing of German power and also prevent Soviet expansion. In a nutshell, there was a mix between military weapons and economic weapons (Lecture notes, 2007). The Marshall plan led to the transformation of the perception the Germans had towards the United States as colonialist occupants to perceiving them as economic partners. Western Europe recorded the highest growth in the economy during the first quarter of the century after 1948.

This rapid progress was branded as loirtschaftwundery (economic miracle) in Germany. The economic growth led to a reduction of communist influence in Germany (Kunz, 1997; Reynolds 2004). Financial recovery spurred political stability in the region because financial assistance and the consequent economic growth led to cooperation among the citizens of Germany. Military security also followed as the Americans empowered the Europeans to contribute to their defense. General Aspects of the Models Used In the Post-War Reconstruction of Western Europe Broadly and Germany In Particular That Remains Applicable In the Twenty-First CenturyThe Marshall plan was adopted as an Economic Recovery Program (ERP) in Western Europe and particularly Germany.

This has become a model for future reconstruction programs. Several aspects of the program are applicable in the 21st century. The Marshall plan provided financial aid to spur economic growth in Western Europe, and the result of this led Western Europe to Shift its allegiance from the previously communist bloc to the capitalist bloc. This clearly shows that economic incentives can go a long way in solving diplomatic problems (Kunz, 1997).In Western Europe, the government structure, skilled labor force, and infrastructure were already available, what lacked were the finances.

This was provided by the Marshall plan. Reconstruction programs should endeavor to provide financial assistance to the concerned countries to empower the existing systems. Military assistance is also necessary but it should be implemented with economic assistance. By adopting the Marshall plan, the United States and Western Europe became economic partners. The United States provided aid and also invested in Germany and other countries in Western Europe. This paid off by benefiting both the United States and the countries being reconstructed.

This partnership is vital in the modern-day reconstruction process as it reduces the economic strain on both sides. In the Marshall plan, the United States invested in the occupied countries to spur prosperity without exploiting the occupied countries. This generated economic growth and peace in Western Europe. The American expenditure on Germany’s reconstruction process could be justified because it had no negative effects on the economy. The 21st-century reconstruction process should borrow the aspects of the Marshall plan, which was successful in ensuring both economic and political stability in Western Europe and Germany in particular.