The Reconstruction of the International Economy, 1945–1960

The reconstruction of the international economy was one of the great achievements of the post-World War II era. This reconstruction led to the most remarkable boom in international trade and lending the world has ever seen.

In the wake of World War II, there had been widespread fears that the international economy would not be rebuilt in this way. The prevailing expectation was not for a golden age of economic growth but for a slump at least as severe as the economic decline experienced in 1920-21. The achievement of the post-World War II era was to contain these dangers of economic decline and possible depression. In The Reconstruction of the International Economy, 1945-1960, Professor Eichengreen has chosen articles which document these achievements.

The bulk of the volume is divided under headings which cover the policy initiatives and trade groups which influenced policy. The volume concludes with articles evaluating the postwar growth process. A final article provides a current-day view of retrospective and prospective successes and potential failures of this entire era. This volume will be welcomed by all researchers and students interested in the important policy initiatives which led to the nearly immediate reconstruction of the world economy after the last World War.