All Flashcards
Compare fascism and communism.
Both are authoritarian, but fascism emphasizes nationalism and private enterprise, while communism emphasizes classless society and state control.
Compare welfare states in different European countries.
Welfare states varied in scope and generosity. Scandinavian countries had comprehensive systems, while others were more limited.
Compare the economic recovery of Western and Eastern Europe.
Western Europe benefited from the Marshall Plan and market economies, leading to faster recovery than Eastern Europe under communist control.
Compare the post-war experiences of Germany and France.
Germany faced division and occupation, while France focused on rebuilding its economy and regaining its international influence.
Compare the effects of WWII on different social classes.
While all classes suffered, the working class and poor were disproportionately affected by displacement and economic hardship.
Compare the initial support for welfare programs with later criticism.
Initial support was based on post-war consensus and economic growth, while later criticism arose from economic stagnation and high taxes.
Compare the goals of the Marshall Plan with its actual outcomes.
The Marshall Plan aimed to rebuild Europe and prevent communism, and it largely succeeded in both, fostering economic growth and stability.
Compare the impact of economic stagnation on different European nations.
Some nations experienced more severe economic stagnation than others, leading to varying degrees of social unrest and political instability.
Compare the role of the state in Western and Eastern Europe after WWII.
In Western Europe, the state played a role in regulating the economy and providing welfare, while in Eastern Europe, the state controlled nearly all aspects of life.
Compare the political systems of Western and Eastern Europe after WWII.
Western Europe embraced democracy and multi-party systems, while Eastern Europe was dominated by communist one-party states.
What is fascism?
A political ideology characterized by authoritarian ultranationalism, dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.
What is communism?
A political and economic ideology advocating a classless society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.
What is the Marshall Plan?
A U.S.-sponsored initiative to aid Western Europe in its economic recovery after World War II through financial assistance.
Define 'cradle-to-grave' welfare.
Comprehensive social welfare programs providing support from birth to death, including healthcare, social security, and education.
What is democracy?
A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Define 'economic miracle'.
A period of rapid and significant economic growth, often unexpected or unprecedented, such as the post-WWII recovery in Western Europe.
What are social safety nets?
Government programs designed to protect citizens from economic hardship, such as unemployment benefits and welfare assistance.
What is meant by 'economic stagnation'?
A prolonged period of slow or no economic growth, often characterized by high unemployment and low investment.
What is public welfare?
Government-provided assistance to individuals and families in need, aimed at ensuring a basic standard of living.
What is meant by 'ideological landscape'?
The range and distribution of political beliefs and ideologies within a society or region at a particular time.
Causes & effects of the Marshall Plan?
Causes: Post-WWII devastation, fear of communism. Effects: Economic recovery, increased living standards, reduced communist influence.
Causes & effects of economic stagnation in Europe?
Causes: High taxes, welfare costs, global competition. Effects: Criticism of welfare, political debates, calls for reform.
Causes & effects of WWII?
Causes: Fascism, nationalism, unresolved WWI issues. Effects: New democracies, Marshall Plan, Cold War, altered global power balance.
Causes & effects of the expansion of welfare states?
Causes: Post-war consensus, economic growth, desire for social security. Effects: Reduced poverty, improved health, higher taxes, dependency concerns.
Causes & effects of the clash of ideologies after WWII?
Causes: Victory over fascism, rise of communism, differing visions for post-war society. Effects: Cold War, division of Europe, ideological competition.
Causes & effects of the establishment of new democracies?
Causes: Defeat of authoritarian regimes, Allied influence, desire for self-determination. Effects: Political instability, economic challenges, democratic institutions.
Causes & effects of increased public welfare support?
Causes: Economic boom, desire for social safety nets, post-war consensus. Effects: Expansion of social programs, reduced poverty, higher taxes.
Causes & effects of the cradle-to-grave welfare system?
Causes: Post-war consensus, desire for comprehensive social support, economic prosperity. Effects: Increased social security, higher taxes, potential dependency.
Causes & effects of internal debate over welfare programs?
Causes: Economic stagnation, rising taxes, concerns about dependency. Effects: Political polarization, welfare reforms, shifting public opinion.
Causes & effects of the economic boom after WWII?
Causes: Marshall Plan, technological advancements, increased trade. Effects: Higher living standards, expanded welfare states, social mobility.