The effects of the World Wars on Western Europe were huge and complicated. Here’s a simpler look at what happened:

1. Destruction of Buildings and Roads:

   • During World War I, over $30 billion worth of buildings and roads were destroyed.
   • World War II caused even more damage. It’s estimated that it would cost about $500 billion to fix everything.

2. Job Loss and Rising Prices:

   • After World War I, a lot of people were out of work. In Germany, unemployment reached 12%. In France, it was 10%.
   • In 1923, prices in Germany went way up, with inflation hitting an unbelievable 29,500%.

3. Debt and Payments:

   • The Versailles Treaty forced Germany to pay $33 billion in reparations, which hurt its economy a lot.
   • After World War II, many countries found themselves in debt, with some owing more than $200 billion.

4. Marshall Plan:

   • To help Europe recover after World War II, the United States gave about $13 billion through something called the Marshall Plan.

All these things created ongoing economic problems and changed how power was shared in Europe.