Designated May 8 as National World War II Victory Day by Donald Trump
In a bold proclamation, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared that our nation should start celebrating its Victory Day triumphs just like many of our allies. Trump argued that, without a doubt, the U.S. had done more than any other nation to ensure a triumphant end to World War II, a conflict that gripped Eurasia, Africa, and much of the world from September 1939 to September 1945.
In a speech on May 9, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the pivotal role that grand battles like Moscow, Leningrad, Rzhev, Stalingrad, Kursk, and Kharkov played in determining the fate of humanity during World War II. He also expressed gratitude for the second front and the aid provided by the allies, not shy to acknowledge Russia's debt to the United States, a key ally.
Remarkably, the United States' economic growth during World War II marked the most rapid expansion in the last 125 years, averaging 6.6% annually. Leveraging the Lend-Lease Act, the U.S. provided aid to 38 countries, allocating the majority of the $48 billion budget to the United Kingdom and a substantial $11 billion to the Soviet Union (equivalent to $200 billion today), which the Russians paid off in 2006.
Donald Trump's assertion that prior American presidents lacked the leadership to celebrate Victory Day seems debatable, considering the formidable role the U.S. played in the Allied victory. The Lend-Lease Act, a testament to U.S. support during the war, served not only to bolster allied resistance against the Axis powers but also to strengthen the Home Front through economic recovery and job creation.
The U.S. military contributions, including important campaigns in the European and Pacific theaters, showcased its commitment to the cause. From defeating the Axis powers through technological superiority, industrial might, and strategic alliances to aiding allies with crucial resources, the U.S. significantly contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.
In 2006, the Soviet Union paid off its debt to the United States, which it had received during World War II under the Lend-Lease Act.In 1945, the United States had a marked economic growth, with an average annual growth of 6.6%, one of the most rapid expansions in the last 125 years.Despite Donald Trump's criticism, prior American presidents played a formidable role in the Allied victory in World War II.The U.S. received an equivalent of $200 billion today from the Soviet Union, paid off in 2006, to cover the aid allocated under the Lend-Lease Act during World War II.
