Steam toy wagon manufactured in the American-occupied zone of Germany, marked “Made in U.S. Occupied Zone Germany.” Germany, c. 1945.
After the end of World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones, with the American zone including the states of Bavaria, Hesse, and parts of Baden-Württemberg, as well as the port cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven. During this period, Germany’s economy was in ruins due to the extensive destruction caused by the war. In response, the Americans initiated economic recovery programs, including the Marshall Plan, which helped revive local industries. In the American-occupied zone, industrial production gradually resumed, focusing on basic goods such as food, textiles, household items, and daily consumer products. Special emphasis was also placed on manufacturing construction materials to rebuild the damaged infrastructure and buildings. These economic and social recovery efforts laid the foundation for Germany’s rapid economic growth in the following years.
25x16x13 cm. Signs of aging. Good condition.
