at the end of WWII Influential Americans were hoping Europe could establish itself as a third power-against soviet power allowing the us to withdraw. Instead, Europe became depend any on the us for security. Europe did not want the us to withdraw. Us nuclear umbrella provided Europe security. Europe was the theatre struggle between communism and capitalism. Europe was able to extend its influence and respect because of us aid. By 1992, the European union was a super power. Europe had peace keeping fight capability: Balkans, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Afghanistan, and Iraq.