BRAZIL WWII

Economic Impacts of WWII

 

 

                                                                                                          At the time Brazil had been an                                                                                                                         underdeveloped country. No one had                                                                                                             been expecting them to enter the war                                                                                                             at the state they were in, but it turned                                                                                                             out to benefit their country in the long                                                                                                              run. Before, Brazil relied heavily on                                                                                                              their primary resources for exporting as                                                                                                          the country's income. This consisted of                                                                                                          mainly agricultural products, coffee and                                                                                                          raw materials. The country's                                                                                                                            infrastructure was poor with a few                                                                                                                  energy plants, railroads, as well as                                                                                                                  industries. The dominated population                                                                                                              was under the poverty line, living in                                                                                                                rural lands. As a result the life                                                                                                                        expectancy was shocking. Brazilians                                                                                                              lived short lives and were lucky if they'd made it into the 50s or 60s. Diseases were widespread due to the poor sanitation conditions. Politics in Brazil was dominated by regional powers who were more concerned in wealth than developing the country. Overall World War 2 had a positive impact on Brazil economically. The war effort improved facilities and reconstructed railroads. We were left with new modern airfields and exports stimulated for agriculture, mining, and steel. Brazil's army, air force and navy had gained combat experience and had the latest technology for artillery. The war also provided many opportunities for women to join the workforce. Prior to the World War 2, women stayed home taking care of domestic affairs. At the time of war, women had to replace the men who left for war and took their jobs. Politics also took a turn, with playing a greater role in the country. Remarkable development for Brazil increased in the next half of the century.