May's End: Historical Echoes

This article, published on the World Socialist Web Site, highlights significant historical events occurring in the corresponding week of years past (1925, 1950, 1975, and 2000). In 1925, the focus is on the Dawes Plan, intended to stabilize Germany’s economy and war reparations payments after World War I. The article underscores its role in facilitating the rise of American finance capital and setting the stage for future economic instability and conflict. Moving to 1950, the piece examines the Korean War's escalation and the anti-communist witch hunts led by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the US. It highlights the political repression and Cold War paranoia gripping the nation. In 1975, the focus shifts to the end of the Vietnam War and the collapse of the US-backed government in South Vietnam. The article frames this as a major defeat for American imperialism and a victory for the Vietnamese people after decades of struggle. Finally, the year 2000 saw rising concerns over global inequality and the growing gap between the rich and poor. The article points to increasing social unrest and anti-globalization protests. It frames these events within the context of escalating class tensions and the failures of capitalism. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/18/pezn-m18.html