Isolationism Over?
After the War the U.S. realized it could not isolate itself from the rest of the world anymore. To take action the U.S. shifted toward a policy of internationalism. According to TCi, "In July 1944, representatives of the United States and 43 other nations met at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, where they jointly founded the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, or the World Bank." They established the IMF, and worked on replacing the League of Nations. After Roosevelt's death, the U.S. elected to join the United Nations by a vote of 89-2. According to TCi in order to preserve Roosevelt's Four Freedoms, "the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This document affirms basic human rights, including the rights to life, liberty, and equality before the law, as well as to freedom of religion, expression, and assembly." This was the end of U.S. isolationism.
Punishment and Rebuilding
After signing documents for each countries surrender, the allied forces chose to punish leaders for war instead of the countries involved. This process involved trying military leaders for war crimes (violation of internationally practices relating to waging war). the military held fair trials for Nazi's and Japanese fighters. Most to all were found guilty and sentenced. After the trials, the U.S. helped to rebuild the economy of Germany (not at first), andto introduce democracy to Japan.
Americans
Postwar America was similar to postwar World War 1 besides the fact that there wasn't a major depression. The U.S. passed the GI Bill of Rights which dedicated money from the feds to adjust GIs back to normal civilian life. It also provided unemployment that veterans could draw. The GI Bill of Rights also included benefits for African Americans, however some didn't receive them. The war also affected African Americans by slowing the migration from the south to the north. The quality of life also improved for this group. Postwar life for women was also different as many gave their jobs back to men. America was back on track.