After World War 2, Western Europe faced immense challenges of physical devastation, economic crisis, and population displacement. However, new leaders prioritized reforms and cooperation. The Marshall Plan aided recovery through the OEEC. Led by West Germany, economic miracles took hold in the 1960s as barriers dropped and markets integrated. Democratic republics were established as Christian Democrats pushed economic unity through organizations like the EEC and ECSC, though political unity faced nationalism. Decolonization reduced European power and brought independence struggles.

1. THE WESTERN RENAISSANCE Eastview High School – AP European History McKay, et. al, 8 th ed. – Ch30 section 1