Rebuilding a devastated country

once the global conflict is over Germany was completely destroyed. Allied bombing had destroyed major cities such as Berlin and Dresden, 8 crore families became homelesswhile its mighty industry was completely devastated. Along with this physical destruction, the human cost was just as brutal, with twelve million civilians and soldiers killed.

The situation would have been even worse if post-war plans such as Morgenthau’s had intended had been implemented ban factories In order to prevent future rearmament, but fortunately because of the growing conflict between the communist and capitalist blocs, the country was split into two states: West and East Germany, which became a buffer state as it formed part of the border between the West and the Soviet Union. It was advisable to strengthen it.

like a phoenix from your ashes

For this reason, the allies mobilized the civilian population for this purpose Clear debris from roads and recover all usable materials in the long rebuilding process. Given the shortage of able-bodied men, women played a leading role in this enterprise, carrying mountains of bricks and rubbish in exchange for a bowl of soup or a ration card, and earning the affectionate nickname “kama” for their efforts. Trümmerfrau or Women of the Rubble.

But it was not enough to clear the streets; an injection of money was necessary, which the United States lent in 1948 through the Marshall Plan, which offered $1.4 billion for the purchase of American exports.

This political maneuver was rejected by communist Germany, which, already benefiting from aid from Moscow, allowed its western brothers to provide themselves with the machinery, raw materials and fertilizers with which they were Revive the industrial and agricultural sectors.

The Marshall Plan, far from being an indifferent measure, kept Germany within the orbit of the United States Created a marketplace to sell your productsBut thanks to them the Germans were able to rebuild their country and restore an economy that would once again be the first in Europe.

Miracle of Bern

The regeneration process is completed West Germany wins the 1954 World Cup Released in Switzerland. Under the direction of Sepp Herberger, the German team was performing brilliantly during the competition, with consecutive victories 3–8 loss against HungaryThe communist team they will face in the final.

The match played in Bern on 4 July started badly for the Germans and they had to concede defeat A goal from Ferenc Puskas was followed a few minutes later by another from Zoltán Czibor. Despite this, the Germans counterattacked hard during the first half, with Max Morlock scoring a goal in the 18th minute and Helmut Rahn adding another goal, equalizing.

The second half was, if possible, even more fiercely contested, with Hungary dominating with ample possession Several shots on goal that failed to get past Tony Turek’s strong defense. In the end it was Rahane who took advantage of one of the few chances he got and carried the team to victory Scored the third goal with just six minutes remaining.

The victory was A symbol of the success of the “German miracle” Which transformed a war-torn nation into one of the continent’s leading economies, and restored to the Germans the pride they had lost with the defeat of Hitler.