The end of World War II was not just the end of a war, but also the beginning of a tense and dynamic period that affected society on all levels. This “postwar” period, as it became known, shaped the world, as we know it today; likewise, the period was shaped itself both by the war that had preceded it, and the powerful forces that surrounded it. As the energy of fundamentally different ideologies, Communism and Democracy collided with advances in science such as the nuclear bomb, a dangerous environment ensued that created an atmosphere of paranoia throughout the world and especially, within America.
This atmosphere is known broadly as the “Cold War.” While the Cold War played out step-by-step between the United States and the Soviet Union, it was simultaneously playing out in the everyday lives of the masses within their borders. Paranoia, nevertheless, was not an effect that followed immediately after the close of the War.
In fact, the United States had enjoyed an extended period of economic expansion during the war, and following the war the U.S. economy continued with great strength for more than a decade. Life in America, consequently, was arguably better than it had ever been. The middle class had swelled, unemployment rates were some of the lowest in history, and the “American Dream” was for many families a reality.
It is in this same period that the political forces of Communism and Democracy collide head-on. Judt claims, it was in these post-war years, between 1947
After World War II, only two world superpowers remained: the United States of America and the Soviet Union. The contradictory political regimes of the democratic United States and the communist Soviet Union were believed to be mutually exclusive which increased bitterness between them. Inevitably, the apparent tension between the two superpowers led to the Cold War which lasted about 45 years. It was war without bloodshed or battle, instead it was a metaphorical war where the U.S and the Soviet Union increased their weapons and fought for political influence, one always wanting to excel or maintain within the range of the other. The United States’ desperate need to contain the communist political ideology from spreading any further and meet the Soviet Union’s increased development of nuclear weapons led to the their involvement in the Cold War. The impact the Cold War had on life during the 1950’s and 1960’s can be measured through the creation of the House Un-American
The late 1940′s were a time when much change happened to the American society. As a result to the expanding threat of the Soviet Union, or its Communistic ideals, America took a stand that lead it to the Cold War. Although the war didn’t involve fighting directly with Russia, it still affected the American society and domestic policy. The war affected America so much that it lead to a fear of livelihood; precisely when Joseph McCarthy began his “witch hunt”. The Cold war lead to an enlarged fear of nuclear war; as well, it affected many of the domestic policies.
While the aftermath of World War II is often referred to as one of the primary creators of deep rooted turmoil in the Middle East region, the effects of the Cold War and the United States often over-zealous battle against communism is just as much a contributor if not more. The Arab world and the Middle East region were clearly going through quite an extraordinary period throughout World War II and its conclusion, primarily with the creation of most of the states we recognize today and struggling with the continuation of colonialism. These factors set the stage for the emergence of strong nationalist sentiments and Pan-Arab movements across the Middle East. Unfortunately, and much to the detriment of the region, the leaders of these young
The biggest and most fervent effect of the Cold War on American culture was the state of anxiety that swept the nation. Americans have always harboured a fear of radicalism entering the country and destroying any parts of the government that give power to the people, but when the Cold War begun, this fear was immensely heightened. This time period became known as the “age of anxiety”.
The fears of the American people regarding the Cold War in the aftermath of the second World War were numerous and strong, growing in power as Americans began to fear not only the looming threat posed by the Soviet Union but also potential communist activity within the United States itself. The administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower successfully recognized and addressed a number of these fears, passing legislation which improved domestic and international defence capabilities and creating an atmosphere of relative comfort and prosperity within the nation itself. However, despite the efforts of the Eisenhower administration, a strong sense of fear pervaded much of the United States as the Cold War escalated into a greater, more critical
The Cold War was marked by a seemingly ever continuous rivalry between WWII allies in a geopolitical and ideological war, each nation focused on their own agenda in a clash of political and economic structure and views for the future of the world. For much of the second half of the 20th century the Cold War became a dominant influence on many aspects of American society. Cultural battles ensued between the superpowers had as much if not more
Due to the successfulness of World War II, Americas society underwent superb economic and social growth. Between the years of 1939 through 1965, a change was seen within minorities, women's status, and the middle class lifestyle; subsequently, resulting in an all around better life for the citizens of America prior to World War II. As a result of the war, people were now open to segregation, women were a part of the workforce, and the possibility of owning your own house was more probable than ever. One might argue that the changes seen after World War II were not superior --due to reluctant fears for growth and change in America--; however, the changes seen after World War II were inevitable acts that helped shape The America now seen in 2016.
The Cold War propelled the United States of America into a seat of previously unattained power in the world . American citizens spearheaded the push toward advancement in their search for the epitome of happiness: the “American Dream”. Post-war paranoia was driven by the supposed threat of the spread of communism, which Americans feared could interfere with the freedoms and liberties the founding fathers fought to achieve. This paranoia eventually controlled the thoughts and actions of citizens everywhere. The Second Red Scare spread across America like a virus, leaving a trail of dread and despair in its wake. The fear of the growing communist regime, a lack of trust between citizens and the government, and a zealous streak of American pride drove the U.S. toward internal conflict and potential devastation.
Many Americans feared potential attack from the Soviets and created bomb shelters. This, in fact threatened the well-being of the affluent, white majority and their restored peaceful, luxurious way of life as resurrected by the new consumer and suburban economy and culture.
World War II left a deep-rooted impact on the lives of the people that were fighting on the front lines of the war and the ones serving on the home front. The relationships and perspectives of Americans changed after the war from previous believed truths to a modern idea of what life could be, or how their lives have recently transformed. Because of the distinctive oppositions experienced by those of who endured the bleak and torturous years of the war. Moreover, they now understand the circumstances from which they had bravely overcame and conquered.
World War II marked an incredible amount of changes in American society. World War II created the opportunity for many different types of technology to emerge (Black, 2013, p. 140). Once the War was over, these new technologies were subsequently assimilated into the daily lives of Americans. Thanks to the G.I. Bills, the soldiers returning from war were getting the proper aid they needed to smoothly rejoin society (Fearon, 1987, p. 287). These retuning soldiers were also given the opportunity to educate themselves and become a part of a skilled workforce.
World War II had a profound impact on the United States. Although no battles occurred on the American mainland, the war affected all phases of American life. It demanded a monumental production effort to provide the materials necessary to fight. As the United States produced the weapons of war and became, in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s phrase, the “arsenal of democracy,” the country experienced fundamental changes of economic and social patterns at home in regards to equality for both women and blacks that provided the template for the postwar years.
In the late 1940s, in which this era had a big impact of change in American society. This time frame also marked an end to world war II, which left europe broken into many parts,but this also marked the beginning of a new war. This new war will occur due to the expanding threat of the soviet union, and its communist ethics. America has taken a step further, which had lead the beginning of the cold war. Although this war hadn’t been fighting directly with weapons, it still had affected the U.S. domestic policy and the american society.The cold war affected the domestic policy and American society by establishing a fear of communism at home and a competition with the U.S.S.R.
The war brought a return of prosperity and ended the Great Depression. (Winkler,1986) It also promoted the growth of big industrial business and strengthen military industrial links. (Winkler,1986) Women around the country were transformed from the average house wife into a person with a voice and most importantly a purpose. They contributed into the war effort and changed the way society viewed them. “The war was a vehicle for lasting social and economic gains.” (Winkler,1986) As the war ended, the United States of American came to be known as a powerful
“The Cold War became a dominant influence on many aspects of American society for much of the second half of the twentieth century. It escalated due to antagonist values between the United States, representing capitalism and democracy, and the Soviet Union, representing communism and authoritarianism” (Tradshad, par. 1). This long lasting war had a lot of negative effects on the American people, but also helped many in a positive way of becoming free citizens. Although most people had feelings of hatred toward the Soviet Union, a sense of fear swept over the United States and many actions had to be taken to keep the enemy and their influences out. 4 done.