The Generosity of Americans to Stave Off Hunger in Post War Europe

2,067 Views | 8 Replies | Last: 2 mo ago by Rabid Cougar
Tanker123
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GENEROSITY OF AMERICANS AFTER WWII

Millions of Americans were driven by compassion and were instrumental in the welfare of European countries post-World War II. Americans opened their wallets to purchaser $10 CARE packages of food to be sent to impoverished and hungry to people across Europe. In today's terms that would be $130. Hundreds of millions were sent to Europe. Some families had perhaps a loaf of bread to eat for a week. Therefore, those food packages were a godsend.

It was said a German family was in dire need for food when they received their first food package. They were reluctant to open the package because they considered us as their enemy. Eventually hunger compelled the family to open the package much to their elation. It was like Christmas to them, and they would not live in hunger.

Systems were in place for families to get the packages on a regular basis. Children received smaller care packages of food on a regular basis at schools. Sometimes girls would get a doll in their package. I can't imagine the goodwill we created. It speaks volumes of Americans after WWII.

These are some of the items in that constituted the care packages.

one pound (450 g) of beef in broth
one pound (450 g) of steak and kidneys
8 ounces (230 g) of liver loaf
8 ounces (230 g) of corned beef
12 ounces (340 g) of luncheon loaf (like Spam)
8 ounces (230 g) of bacon
two pounds (910 g) of margarine
one pound (450 g) of lard
one pound (450 g) of fruit preserves
one pound (450 g) of honey
one pound (450 g) of raisins
one pound (450 g) of chocolate
two pounds (910 g) of sugar
8 ounces (230 g) of powdered eggs
two pounds (910 g) of whole-milk powder
two pounds (910 g) of coffee

Care Package
jwoodmd
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It shows what compassion does after a war versus punishment (see post WWI vs post WWII). In the early 90's my wife and I went with a German Aggie friend of ours to Berlin and stayed with his Aunt. She lived in West Berlin during the cold war and was a young teen during the Berlin airlift. We've never been treated so well. Every morning, noon, and night she would hug and thank us as Americans, fed us magnificent meals, and showed so much gratitude. She just remembered that the Americans stopped her from going to bed at night hungry and scared.
Tanker123
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jwoodmd said:

It shows what compassion does after a war versus punishment (see post WWI vs post WWII). In the early 90's my wife and I went with a German Aggie friend of ours to Berlin and stayed with his Aunt. She lived in West Berlin during the cold war and was a young teen during the Berlin airlift. We've never been treated so well. Every morning, noon, and night she would hug and thank us as Americans, fed us magnificent meals, and showed so much gratitude. She just remembered that the Americans stopped her from going to bed at night hungry and scared.
Glad you can personally connect the dots.
ABATTBQ87
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AG
Operations Manna and Chowhound Supplying the starving Dutch with food dropped from bombers

Operations Manna and Chowhound continued until May 8, 1945 even after the Germans surrendered, and it was a success because 6,680 tons of food was delivered to the starving Dutch citizens. The Dutch were ordered to keep off the entire area surrounding the drop zones because some of drops in Operation Manna would not be accurate. However, due to hunger and excitement some ignored these orders and lives were lost, due to the impact caused by the food`s weight.

https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/operation-manna-and-chowhound-supplying-the-starving-dutch-with-food-dropped-from-bombers.html
74OA
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AG
Equal measures generosity and enlightened self-interest.

With a second world war arising from the poverty following the first one, we were smart enough to invest in Europe to preempt a third one.
Aggie1205
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AG
I wonder if cbr will jump in here and post about how the US military/political leaders made a concerted effort to starve the German people after WW2 and millions died.
jwoodmd
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Aggie1205 said:

I wonder if cbr will jump in here and post about how the US military/political leaders made a concerted effort to starve the German people after WW2 and millions died.
And don't forget all the other atrocities (and worse than the Soviets) our soldiers committed.
ABATTBQ87
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AG
jwoodmd said:

Aggie1205 said:

I wonder if cbr will jump in here and post about how the US military/political leaders made a concerted effort to starve the German people after WW2 and millions died.
And don't forget all the other atrocities (and worse than the Soviets) our soldiers committed.


Our soldiers raped women?
Our soldiers locked towns people in buildings and burned them alive?
Our soldiers lined up civilians and shot then dead?
Our soldiers stole food from starving people of the Netherlands?
Our soldiers massacred Germans in a snowy field for no reason, and then following troops continued shooting them?
Rabid Cougar
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AG
ABATTBQ87 said:

Operations Manna and Chowhound Supplying the starving Dutch with food dropped from bombers

Operations Manna and Chowhound continued until May 8, 1945 even after the Germans surrendered, and it was a success because 6,680 tons of food was delivered to the starving Dutch citizens. The Dutch were ordered to keep off the entire area surrounding the drop zones because some of drops in Operation Manna would not be accurate. However, due to hunger and excitement some ignored these orders and lives were lost, due to the impact caused by the food`s weight.

https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/operation-manna-and-chowhound-supplying-the-starving-dutch-with-food-dropped-from-bombers.html

My childhood best friend would not be here today if not for this. His mother was 11 years old and eating boiled shoes ,rats and pigeons. She is still with us today.
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