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How did policies such as the Lend-Lease Act and other wartime changes affect the American economy?

User Sarah Remo
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Beyond the human disaster of the battlefields and the bombings, the economy, the supply of resources and the management of these resources are a key factor in prevailing in a war. It was precisely during the Second World War that, thanks to the Loan and Lease Act, a beleaguered Britain was able to continue to stand up to the Third Reich.

By the end of 1940, continental Europe had fallen to the Nazis. Only Britain continued to resist German forces. Fighting alone was not an easy task for the British, as their economy was on the brink of bankruptcy. For to wage war against a military power like Germany required colossal economic efforts.

Churchill said it was "the most selfless act in the history of any country". It was not so selfless, however, and it came at a very significant cost to Britain.

Moreover, this went beyond gold and affected British businesses. Thus, British companies located in the United States such as Courtland, Lever and Shell ended up being sold for frankly derisory prices. However, the military and economic situation in the United Kingdom was so tight that the British were not in a position to raise objections.

With the Loan and Lease Act in place, the United States became the so-called "arsenal of democracy". Its powerful industry supplied the weapons and supplies needed to defeat Germany and Britain was the main beneficiary of this law.

However, it was not only the United Kingdom that was able to obtain war material, materials and supplies thanks to the Loan and Lease Act. Free France, China and the Soviet Union were also able to benefit from this law.

But what kind of materials did the Lend-Lease beneficiaries receive? Well, finished ammunition, raw materials and machinery were the main items that made up this Lend-Lease Act.

User Chris Macaluso
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