Final answer:
The collapse of the U.S. economy demonstrated that the economies of the world are connected. The Great Depression evidenced the need for economic cooperation and support, leading to initiatives like the Marshall Plan. Despite the appeal of Marxist communism during economic hardships, the capitalist model maintained its global influence post-World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question about what the collapse of the U.S. economy demonstrated is D. The economies of the world are connected. The Great Depression in the 1930s was an economic crisis that was felt globally, not just within the United States. The subsequent economic turmoil showed that the international system of capitalism was highly interlinked, resulting in widespread unemployment, poverty, and the near-collapse of financial systems across various countries.
As the U.S. economy was recovering post-World War II, the shift in its economic stature also emphasized its commitment to combating the spread of communism by providing economic aid through initiatives like the Marshall Plan. This period highlighted that economic instability could fuel the appeal of Marxist ideologies, as many struggling workers were attracted to promises of economic and political equality.
However, the varying experiences of countries that underwent communist and socialist revolutions called into question whether communism could fulfill its promise of a wealthy and classless society. The United States' economic prosperity after the war affirmed its position as a world power and strengthened its commitment to capitalism, notwithstanding the damages caused by the Great Depression. Ultimately, the U.S. and other capitalist nations continued to advocate for, and successfully promote, a free-market economy and private enterprise on a global scale.