United States History, World War II through 1970s - Essay Example

?United s History, World War II through 1970s World War II was one of the greatest wars that took place in the 20th century. This war saw heavy military spending and most countries engaged each other to prove their military supremacy. This war started in 1939 and lasted until 1945. Nearly all continents of the world were involved in this war either direct or indirect. However, this war largely involved countries that had seen a rapid growth in their economy. The war involved two extreme sides, the allies, and the axis. The axes were the original inventor of this war while the axis joined this war to protect their interest, which was under threat from the axis. The United States was involved in this war at later stages. Initially, United States was hesitant to join the war due to its foreign policy (Willmott, H et al, 2009). America only joined this war when its interest was threatened in eastern Asia. The impacts of this war continue to be felt today. However, the impact was prominent in the period from 1945 to the 1970’s. This paper seeks to discuss the United States history after world war two through the 1970’s. There were major turning points that happened after world war two through the 1970’s. The war led to a significant assemblage of American resources more than seen before in American history. Additionally, there was revival of major industries, and agricultural productivity improved significantly. America was able to overcome the challenges of the Great Depression that took place in the 1930’s and became one of the most powerful economies in the world. Then level of management of American economy improved greatly. Roosevelt administration focused on weapon manufacture rather than production of consumer goods. The War Production Board facilitated this level of production. Mostly, war weapons were produced such as tanks, airplanes, and tires meant for war. Major technological advances resulted due to the influence of World War II. The major historical turning points had impacts on America’s current society, economy, politics, and culture. They for a long time changed the spirit of America politically, socially, culturally, and of more importance economically. America during this period aim was to avoid war at all cost although it had military prowess. However, as various resources were mobilized at all levels, America economy grew tremendously. Consequently, America became one of the richest nations in the world and a major superpower (Willmott et al, 2009). Consumer good increased in the market at an alarming rate and hence America was able to conquer the world. Due to industrial expansion, America developed technologically and was able to land in space in the 1960’s (Willmott et al, 2009). America also developed complicated military weapons and this led it to be involved in military intervention in the world such as Vietnam War (Williams, 2004). In politics, various laws were put into place to allow for all people participation especially the women. Moreover, there was significant cultural transformation as America engaged in sports, music, and entertainment to show its prowess especially due to Cold War influence (Willmott et al, 2009). The rise of industries also led to constant migration of workers, and an increase in population in industrial areas. Americans had myriad reasons of not wanting to be engaged in European conflict that culminated in World War II in the late 1930’s. Initially, World War II did not affect America in any way. This led to lack of support of majority of the citizens. America entrance into the war gained public support after attack on Pearl Harbor (Williams, 2004). Additionally, America was recovering from the effects of depression that took place in 1930. Therefore, America did not want to involve itself with activities that would disrupt its economic growth. Furthermore, America wanted to protect the market for its industrial good. Europe provided a large base for its manufactured good, hence wanted to remain neutral (Williams, 2004). Women played a significant role to the success of World War II. The United States entrance in World War II altered its social structure that existed prior to war. The government demanded more input from men and women. More women joined military as nurse corps and members of the armed forces while other went in factories to occupy position left void by the male companion (Minnesota Historical Society, 2012). Some women volunteered for war effort if they were not involved in industrial jobs. Additionally, women joined the federal government and helped with issues focusing on war (Minnesota Historical Society, 2012). Moreover, certain groups of women participated in production industries geared towards war. As a result, there was rapid industrial expansion that sustained materials and equipments needed in the war. They also engaged in humanitarian assistance such as blood donation meant to help recuperating soldiers in the battlefront (Minnesota Historical Society, 2012). Civil rights breakthroughs that took place after World War II were cornerstone for African-American progress. After the war, there was rapid growth and expansion in civil liberties and rights. The civil rights protest led by Martin Luther King junior was instrumental to these achievements. The march to Washington was an important breakthrough (Finkelman, 2007). This march attracted people of all colors. Rosa Parks advanced the other important step, when she declined to give way for the white in a bus (Finkelman, 2007). This led to court ruling that segregation policy was not constitutional. This ruling was instrumental as it led to various demonstrations, initially in the south and later in all parts of the country. The other important step was the passage of civil act of 1964 (Finkelman, 2007). This was the end of discrimination in public schools based on color, religion, gender, and origin. The 1970’s was periods of achievements of certain rights that were denied before. There was legislation on affirmative action. This was meant to bring equality in various sector of the economy for minority in the society especially women. Vietnam War was important as it brought political awareness to a new generation of young Americans. Most of the new generation of Americans was against war. As a result, they joined antiwar movements that articulate their political values (Education Foundation, 1999). In these movements, they became aware of political situation in America and the whole world. Some young people also joined movements that were pro Vietnam War. They were opposed to spread of communism. This led them to support the United States governments in all aspects especially on advancement of propaganda. In this way, they gained political awareness. Others were against the traditional values usually propagated by the middle class (Education Foundation, 1999). President Johnson propagated the agenda of “Great Society” (O'Connor, 2004). In this agenda, several issues were addressed that still affects America today. The issue of Medicare still affects American’s today. This was meant to eradicate diseases. This is a heated debate in America today. Various issues continue to be raised about the Medicare and this has generated a serious division both in republican and democrats. This usually results from various cuts advocated by the current administration. The other important issue is on environmental protection (O'Connor, 2004). This happens especially due to the effects of global warming. Debates continue arise on what America should do to avoid releasing harmful chemicals to the environment. The other important issue still in America today is education support. Johnson wanted education for all and this continues to be propagated today. In conclusion, the history of America was shaped in major events that took place in 20th century. However, most of the events that took place after Second World War shaped the American’s destiny. After World War, America input focused on its security. As a result, various technological advancements took place. This led to America emergence as a world super power. There were also major military interventions such as Vietnamese War. Additionally, this helped America to survive various threats resulting from cold war period. At this time, America was also able to carry space exploration. Various things were also achieved such as civil rights liberty, political awareness among the youth and women participation in various aspects of the economy. Therefore, America was changed forever during this period. References Education Foundation. (1999). The Counterculture and the Antiwar Movement. Retrieved from http://library.thinkquest.org/27942/counter.htm Finkelman, P. (2007). Encyclopedia of African American History, 1896 to the Present. London: Oxford University Press Minnesota Historical Society. (2012). Women and the Home Front during World War II. Retrieved from http://www.mnhs.org/library/tips/history_topics/131women_homefront.htm O'Connor,B. (2004). A Political History of the American Welfare System. New York: Rowman & Littlefield Williams, B. (2004). World War II Pacific. New York: Twenty-First Century Books Willmott, H., Cross, R., & Messenger, C. (2009).World War II. London: Dk Pub Read More