This, pretty much. Both the Germans and Japanese knew, in exhaustive detail, how to build and run a modern industrial country. And given the obvious alternative (sheltering in bombed-out smoking ruins, more-or-less) they very quickly decided to Do Whatever It Took to regain their former standards of living.
This is what happened in the Netherlands. After the war the entire population genuinely believed that they were engaged in rebuilding the nation into something better.
Turns out humans can do a lot if they work together- ofcourse it usually takes a near apocalyptic event. And it never lasts.
For purposes of rebuilding, civilian deaths (from all causes, including Germany's national suicide cult insanity shit) are at least as damaging. Similar for all the millions who lived, but were badly damaged themselves - mentally and/or physically.
