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French Policy and American Investments in France
Aglion, Raoul
14/4  (Summer 1972): 94-102

The article comments on French policy and American investments in France. American multinational corporations have existed since before the outbreak of World War II. They invested abroad, first in Canada, then in Great Britain, then in the Dominions. The preference for investing in these countries can be easily explained by the existence of a common language, similar customs, and a legal system based upon the same English Common Law. Germany was an easy market for American multinational investments. Her industrial methods have always been close to the American pattern. After the war, Germany was a defeated nation, prompt to admire and to imitate the conqueror. The old industrial oligarchy had been swept away. The quasi-totality of industrial and commercial infrastructures was destroyed and had to be rebuilt. The demoralized population, disrupted by the economic and social upheaval of past ordeals, was ready to rebuild on new foundations. The Marshall Plan, American aid, and military protection played an important role in bringing the industries of the two countries together. The activities of American investments have reduced the amount of imports in France, especially in electronics, chemistry and mechanics.

 

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