World War II Through the 1970s - Essay Example

? World War II through the 1970s The period from World War II through 1970s was critical to American history owing to groundbreaking political and philosophical concepts that arose at the time, as well as dramatic military engagements. In the period, there were massive social movements as well as significant developments in the political, technological and scientific arena. This paper explores significant turning points in American history at the said time. In addition, the paper explores the impact that the developments had on America’s society, economy, politics, and culture. Moreover, the paper explores why Americans in the late 1930s did not wish to be engaged in the World War II. The paper also explores significant contributions made by women during World War II as well civil rights breakthroughs after World War II. Lastly, the paper explores the impact of Vietnam War on the new generation of young Americans as well as President Johnson’s “Great Society.” #1 Some of the two turning points in American history post World War II through to 1970s include the cold war era and Civil Rights Movements. The Cold War intensified moments after the end of the Second World War. When the war ended marked by an allied victory, material differences surfaced between America and the Soviets. Cold War was a period of tension, suspicions, and hostility between U.S. and Soviet Union spanning from mid-40s to the late 80s. During the period, there were indirect conflicts such as Vietnam War, Cuban missile crisis, and Korea wars (Armstrong, 1998). American civil rights movement had its roots in the century-long efforts of African slaves, as well as their descendants in efforts to get rid of institution of slavery and racial oppression. The U.S. Constitution amendments did not entirely emancipate the slaves as it did not secure federal protection of the civil rights. Significant happenings during the Civil Rights Movement include desegregating Little Rock (1957), sit-ins (1960), Freedom rides (1961), voter registrations, Albany Movement (1961-1962), Birmingham Campaign (1963-1964), March on Washington (1963), and Civil Rights Act of 1964. #2 The cold war shaped American foreign policy as well as political ideology. Cold War also had a substantial bearing on the American presidency. Similarly, Cold War has led to some politicians using anti-communist hysteria to advance their rightist agenda. The Cold War also influenced domestic policy both socially and economically. The social impact includes regression of social reforms; the economic impact dwells on enormous industrial growth aided by heavy government expansion. Traces of hostility between the U.S. and Soviet Union, now Russia, are still evident in platforms such as UN Security Council where each party vetoes the other in defense of each party’s interests (Armstrong, 1998). The Civil Rights Movement in 1960s has had a remarkable influence on American society far beyond the struggle for racial justice and equality. Many of the principles, strategies and tactics employed by the civil rights organization such as peaceful protests and acts of civil disobedience such as sit-ins have informed and inspired the social movements of today. Civil Rights Movement has impacted on education and politics in terms of desegregation and other aspects centered on affirmative action. Civil Rights Movements have led to de-institutionalization of discrimination, which has changed America culturally. #3 From 1920s to the 1930s America’s foreign policy leaned towards isolationist. During the Great depression, the focus was on economic growth and the principal determination was to stay out of any conflict as espoused by its isolationist, non-interventionism, and neutrality policy. The isolationist sentiment was inspired partly by the depression. The U.S. thought that they could only fix the depression domestically, and involvement in conflicts was more of a sideshow. Isolationists wanted to stay out of war at any cost as the depression threatened to paralyze the country. America’s interest in the world was also depressed by the happenings of World War I (Tony, 2001). A public opinion conducted in 1937 indicated that more than 70% of the population viewed America’s engagement in World War I as a mistake, and were not willing to be dragged into yet another war. The Congress passed a law, which ordered the administration to remain neutral in the event of any foreign conflict. Many Americans felt that America had been led to war by bankers, financiers, and weapon manufacturers for purely economic gain at immense price of American lives. #4 World War II brought about many sacrifices to women. Nevertheless, it marked a turning point for women in America, especially in terms of gender roles. World War II heralded a fresh age in which women acquired new skills, new job, and fresh opportunities. Women played a significant role in the war, especially in the manufacture of the airplanes, tanks, warships, and rifles, and other armaments. In fact, women can be regarded as America’s “secret weapon” for the war (Tony, 2001). The roles that women played that helped to win the war include roles in the military, where women joined as nurse corps and the armed forces. Women served in the military professions and behind the lines in the war effort. The launch of Women Auxiliary Corps was an essential contribution to the war, especially in tasks such as communication, clerks, corps, typists, welders, riveters, researchers, engineers, mechanics, and electrician. #5 The period from the end of Second World War, until late 1960s, is usually referred to as Second Reconstruction. The American Civil Rights Movements, which challenged racial segregation, had significant social and political consequences. The movement sought to tackle generation-old injustices grounded in discriminatory and segregationist practices. The protesters employed direct action combined with peaceful resistance and instances of civil disobedience. Some of the noticeable achievements during Civil Rights Movement include legal victory in the case Brown Vs Board of Education (1954). The case reversed the legal doctrine of “separate but equal” and eventually made discrimination legally unacceptable (Tony, 2001). The practice of separation in education was ruled unconstitutional, which was an immense boost to African American. Other milestones include passage of Civil Rights Act of 1964, passage of Voting Rights Act of 1965, and passage of Civil Rights Act (1968). The passage of the laws banned discrimination in employment practices as well as in public places. The legislation also safeguarded blacks’ suffrage. The laws outlawed disenfranchisement of blacks. In addition, the legislations changed the face of U.S. immigration policy while banning discrimination in either the renting or sale of housing (Armstrong, 1998). #6 The Vietnam war is sometimes regarded as an undeclared war; a war devoid of front lines or concise objectives and against an elusive enemy. The war polarized U.S. with dissenters from all walks of life. Protests ranged from opposition to military draft, the moral, legal, and pragmatic critiques of U.S. intervention, and devastation occasioned by the war (Tony, 2001). The Vietnam War was successful in breaking youth apathy and entrenching cynicism towards government. The youth faulted the authorities for subverting many of America’s values and liberties in engaging in the war. The failure of the administration in outlining the reasons for the war made the students organizations invent “teach-ins” to their colleagues and to the community. This was helpful in aiding people understand the issues that the political class refused to discuss. The students were also able to create awareness on the extent of the war and its cost (Tony, 2001). Another way in which Vietnam War brought about political awareness to the young people arises from the fact that it was grounded in disastrous foreign policy, which was created by government elites who refused to take responsibility. #7 In 1965, half of the Americans did not possess medical insurance and a third lived in poverty. In addition, the country’s political arena was skewed with only a handful of blacks in elective office. The bedrocks of the “Great Society” encompass Medicare and Medicaid, Higher education Act, Office of Economic Act, Community Action Agencies, Food stamps, and the right of blacks to vote, protection of the environment, among others. The elements of “Great Society” were directed at ending poverty, disease, and racial injustice as well as better life for all Americans. Some of President Johnson’s programs of “Great Society” have survived up to today. These include Medicare and Medicaid and universal suffrage and equal opportunity for all in all sectors inclusive of the education sector. The social safety net accomplished during the time of the “Great Society” is decidedly intact, irrespective of minute realignment. Nowadays, nearly every elderly person is covered with health insurance. Similarly, African-Americans vote at the same rate as whites and a generous number of black hold elective offices. Conclusion The period from end of Second World War has shaped and continues to shape the future of American society. For instance, the civil rights movements availed a platform for confronting economic, political, and cultural problems that confront American society. Similarly, some aspects of the “Great Society” are the centre of most political and social controversies that feature in American debate. Critics point out that most of the ensuing policies are at the heart of the prevailing budgetary and debt crisis straining the Federal and State governments. References Armstrong, S. (1998). "Work, Womanpower, and World War II." Reference Services Review 26, 31-36. Tony, S. (2001). The politics of cold war culture. Journal of Cold War Studies 3 (3), 59-76. Read More