After World War II, France faced significant challenges, including rebuilding its economy and infrastructure, which had been heavily damaged during the war. The country also dealt with political instability, leading to the establishment of the Fourth Republic in 1946. This new government aimed to promote democracy and economic recovery, supported by the Marshall Plan from the United States. Socially, post-war France experienced changes in culture and society, with a focus on modernism and existentialism, influenced by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre. The period also saw the rise of the European Union, as France sought closer ties with its neighbors to ensure peace and stability in Europe.