The Unholy Alliance: How U.S. Corporations Facilitated WWII to Secure European Empires

World War II was not just a conflict born of political and military tensions, but a complex series of events influenced by the hidden hands of major corporations. This article delves into the intricate events leading to the rise of empire and the fall of empires post-World War II, exploring the role of U.S. corporations and their motivations.

1 - The Long Road to War: From 1919 to 1939

The path that led to World War II was paved with financial investments and strategic alliances. After the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which the United States never formally signed, U.S. corporations began their involvement in European economies.

1.1 - Paving the Way for German Investment (1919-1924)

The first phase (1919-1924) saw American financial interests invest heavily in the German economy. By providing massive capital inflows, the U.S. helped reconstruct and stabilize Germany, creating the economic foundation for later political manipulations.

1.2 - Financial Control and Nazi Rise (1924-1929)

From 1924 to 1929, American corporations gained control over Germany's financial system, propelling the National Socialist movement into prominence. This financial support was instrumental in the ascension of the Nazis, who then used their rise to consolidate power and embark on expansionist policies.

1.3 - Economic Crisis and Nazi Regime (1929-1933)

In 1929, the global economic downturn struck, leading to the Nazi's seize of power. The economic crisis inadvertently facilitated the Nazis' rise, as people were willing to support drastic changes to restore economic stability.

1.4 - Financial Cooperation and WWII Preparation (1933-1939)

From 1933 to 1939, American corporations supported the Nazi regime's financial and expansionist policies, preparing the ground for the outbreak of World War II. This period saw both direct financial aid and support for the war machinery through large-scale military production.

2 - The Aftermath: European Empires and the U.S. Invasion

While the Nazis aimed for an indefinite rule over Europe, there were other players involved. The Americans, fearing the rise of communism more than that of the Nazis, joined the British in WWII, marking a significant turning point.

2.1 - The Lend-Lease Bill (1941)

The Lend-Lease Bill, passed in March 1941, assured the British almost unlimited credit for American arms and munitions. This bill not only supported the British war effort but also opened up new markets for American industries, which were in deep crisis before the war.

2.2 - Post-War Economic Reforms

London was forced to dismantle the protectionist system of Imperial Preference tariffs, which restricted American exports. Post-war, American corporations aimed to achieve economic and political dominance in Europe, ensuring long-term economic benefits.

3 - Corporate America and WWII: A Strategic Win

American corporations saw WWII as a golden opportunity to solve the economic crisis through large-scale war production. Henry Ford, among others, supplied both the Germans and the British with war materials, fulfilling the demand that the New Deal policy failed to address.

3.1 - The IBM Story

IBM, another corporation, expected to profit from the war by enabling the Nazis with technological tools for control. Following the war, IBM, despite involvement in unethical dealings, continued to benefit from the global power dynamics shaped by WWII.

4 - Lessons from History: The Ongoing Influence of Corporations

The collapse of European empires after World War II was a result of both political and corporate maneuvers. The long-term influence of American corporations in shaping global power dynamics is evident from the strategies employed during and after the war.

Conclusion

The history of World War II is replete with examples of corporations acting in their own interests, often at the expense of other nations. Understanding these dynamics provides important lessons for contemporary international relations and the role of multinational corporations in global politics.

References:

Prescott Bush, Fritz Thyssen, Union Banking Corporation UBC, Consolidated Silesian Steel Company CSSC, Harriman papers, The Library of Congress