In January 1942, the Declaration by United Nations forged a military alliance based on human rights principles that included over 24 countries, marking the beginning of the UN. But how did the armies of the United Nations co-operate during World War II to halt Nazi expansionism? When did the UN start to tackle the international economic and social challenges of the post-war world? This is the first book to explore how the profound restructuring of the international world order was organized. Drawing on previously unknown archival material, Plesch analyzes the engagement with the UN by all levels of society, from grassroots to the political elites. Plesch has pieced together the full story of how the UN intervened in surprising ways at a pivotal time in world history and argues that the UN s success is as vital today as it was then."

Dan Plesch is the Director of the center for International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS, University of London. His previous books include 'The Beauty Queen s Guide to World Peace'."

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Tables
List of Maps
List of Photographs
Major participants
Chronology
Introduction
Chapter 1: America before Pearl Harbour: ostrich or owl?
Chapter 2: America goes to war: the creation of the United Nations
Chapter 3: Weapons for the Allies: Motown goes to Stalingrad
Chapter 4 Keeping the Allies together: Casablanca & Tehran
Chapter 5: Justice for War Crimes: Auschwitz and Nuremburg
Chapter 6: Post-war Relief & Reconstruction: UNRRA
Chapter 7: Money & Trade: Bretton Woods and Havana, prosperity for all?
Chapter 8: Security: Dumbarton Oaks, Yalta and San Francisco
Chapter 9: Templates for 21st Century Peace and Security
APPENDIX I Foreign Office Document June 1942. What is meant by the term "United Nations" and how does it differ from the term "Allied Nations."
Appendix II The surrender of enemy states to the United Nations
Bibliography