The World Wars and Global Rivalries as the Foundation of Progress in Today’s Powerful Nations (Part Two)
However, if we look at the history of Russia, it becomes clear that this country advanced rapidly before and during World War I. According to historians, a nation that once relied on an agrarian economy had, by then, developed an astonishing industrial power. For instance, by 1945, the Soviet Union’s heavy industry production had increased twelvefold compared to pre-war Russia, and its automobile and machinery industries had grown up to 50 times that of 1913. In the same year, Soviet oil production had risen by 350%, and coal production had increased by 50%.
Nevertheless, one can argue that this growth in Soviet capabilities was still minimal compared to Germany and its colonies. Yet, despite this, it can be said that the war brought about a scientific and technological revolution in the Soviet Union. Researchers, engineers, and inventors made extraordinary efforts to solve new scientific and technical problems related to national defense. Therefore, it can be claimed that this period laid the foundation for Russia’s scientific and technological progress. During this time, military and technical machines such as new models of tanks, advanced fighter jets—including interceptor jets, anti-tank jets, and vertical takeoff jets, which were entirely new and innovative at the time—as well as rocket launchers mounted on heavy-duty vehicles, were among Soviet inventions. These types of weapons were unprecedented globally at that time.
Eventually, the Soviet Union emerged as one of the victors of World War II and inherited the largest share of the spoils previously held by the United States. After this event, the USSR pursued even greater global influence and disseminated its ideology in many parts of the world, influencing numerous Asian and Eastern European countries. The Soviet Union became so powerful that it assumed the leadership of the Eastern Bloc and formally declared its opposition to the Western Bloc (capitalist ideology), led by the United States. It competed so intensely for the position of the world’s leading power that it nearly destabilized America’s top-ranking status. However, as recorded in U.S. history, the country managed to retain and assert itself as the world’s number one power.
The involvement of the United States in Europe in 1914, alongside Britain, France, Italy, and Russia against Germany and Austria-Hungary, affected the political landscape of the country. For example, during a naval conflict between Germany and Britain—where the U.S. was also involved—a deadly German attack in 1915 resulted in the sinking of a submarine and the death of around 130 American soldiers. At that time, President Wilson called for a ceasefire, which temporarily halted the conflict. However, in 1917, the U.S. officially entered the war and declared war against Germany and its allies.
The arrival of 1,750,000 American troops, fully equipped with military arms, played a significant role in the defeat of Germany and its allies. By 1920, the U.S. was enjoying the global prestige it had gained, which also impacted American society. For the first time, American citizens could afford private cars, radios, and refrigerators, and they began going to cinemas. Women’s rights activists, after years of struggle, succeeded in securing voting rights for women that same year. However, in 1929, the U.S. faced a severe economic crisis. Under the leadership of President Franklin Roosevelt, economic and social conditions began to improve. During this period, Americans were strongly opposed to their country’s involvement in World War II.
Throughout the Second World War, the U.S. tried to maintain neutrality. Despite the strong ideology of isolationism in the U.S. Congress, the government supported strengthening, equipping, and expanding the military.
As Japan threatened to seize raw materials used by Western companies, the entire world watched Europe anxiously. In response, the U.S. banned Japan from accessing petroleum—its most critical resource—and demanded that Japanese forces withdraw from their colonies. Japan rejected this demand and, on December 7, 1941, attacked American-controlled areas in the Pacific, such as Pearl Harbor and Hawaii. As a result, the U.S. declared war on Japan, Germany, and Italy, leading all of Japan’s allies to also enter the war against the United States. Thus, America—still fresh and energetic—was drawn into the Second World War.
At that time, the U.S. had substantial military and economic power. It possessed 300,000 warplanes, 5,000 giant ships, 60,000 ground combat vehicles, 86,000 powerful tanks, and other military equipment—all manufactured in less than four years, primarily by women.
Before America’s entry into the war, the situation in Britain, France, and Russia was dire. However, once the U.S. joined, the Allied forces reorganized and prevented the fall of Moscow. Eventually, under American leadership, the Allies defeated the Nazi forces across Europe, liberating Rome, Paris, Moscow, and Berlin. Japan, which refused to surrender, finally did so after President Harry Truman ordered the dropping of two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With this, the U.S. ended the Second World War and left a lasting, positive impression on the global stage.
After World War II, the United States gained a special global status, particularly through its influence via the United Nations and NATO. The biggest challenge it faced then was the Cold War with the Soviet Union, as both countries were ideologically opposed and vied for global dominance. To achieve this goal, both sides took significant actions. The U.S., in addition to its role in the United Nations and NATO, promoted democracy and free trade, which it used as justification to intervene in the internal affairs of various countries, especially in Western Europe. On the other hand, the Soviet Union used military force to establish communist regimes and spread its ideology in Central and Eastern Europe.
During the Cold War, both superpowers sought to expand their influence and undermine each other’s interests globally. However, by 1950, most Americans were satisfied with their country’s global role and were ready to fight communism to support democracy. The U.S. government used this public support to its advantage, leading to involvement in the Korean and Vietnam wars. But after 1960, as the Soviet Union ideologically weakened in comparison to the United States, America emerged as the sole global superpower and continued expanding its colonial influence—especially in Central Asian countries, which were economically advantageous.
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