World War II through the 1970s - Essay Example

? World War II Through The 1970s World War II through the 1970s Introduction The period after the world war two is also known as the as the “post war economic boom”. There are various other names assigned to this time period based on the activities that took place in this span of time and such activities are of great significance in the history of many nations. Other names given to this period after the world war are “long boom” and “golden age of capitalism”. It was then that the concept of economic development came into being, to eradicate poverty from nations (Kozulj, 2003). Many historic turning points took place after the World War 2 which left their impact on the history of mankind. Two Historical turning points during this period First historical turning point One of the many historical points that took place after the World War 2 was the “water scandal”, which took place in United States of America. The water scandal was a serious political scandal that took place during 1972 to 1974. Richard .M. Nixon was the president of America during this period. This political scandal changed the life of many people associated with it and it also changed the view of the American citizens toward American politics. Many serious issues were revealed during this scandal as it unveiled many dark strategies that took place in the political system of America. President Richard .M. Nixon was found taping all the conversation taking place in the White House. The vice president Agnew too was found guilty of tax evasion. Many other illegal acts of the American leadership were exposed during this scandal, which removed the trust of people from their own political leaders. Second historical turning point The second historical point that took place in the history was the formation of the United Nation Organization. It was on January 1942, that the representatives of 26 nations met in Washington to sign a declaration of the United Nations Organization. The main purpose of this organization was the implementation of peace and prosperity in the world and to fight against the causes of war. The creation of the United Nations was a complex and prolonged process. After the World War Two, the leaders realized that wars are a great loss to the precious lives and assets of people. The war destroyed millions of life and weapons of mass destruction had a long lasting effect on the lives of the people. Some crimes committed during wars were at the crest of brutality and were considered against humanity. When the war concluded the nations realized that there is a need of an international institution which can prevent the world from such a massive destruction. Thus, the establishment United Nations Organization came into being on 1945. Effects of the above turning points on America’s current society, economy, politics, and culture Effects of Watergate scandal on America The “Watergate scandal” had a massive effect on the society, economy, politics and culture of United States. These effects were so immense that they still have their traces on the minds of people. The “Watergate Scandal” made people realizes that their blind trust on leadership may lead them to disastrous effects. The people realized that there is a need of a transparent political system, which can keep them updated about all the activities of their political leader. The Watergate Scandal still has its effects on modern America. The political parties after this scandal tried to change the perception of American politics. This limited the presidential power. This scandal also helped in expelling the Republican Government, which resulted in some new rights given to the people. The tax rate decreased and more libertarians’ views were encouraged. The Congress struggled to make the government more transparent for the people. Despite of all these positive steps taken which influenced America’s current society, economy, politics, and culture, the Watergate scandal has created distrust in the mind of people for their government. In 1960’s the people believed that government is a system that help people to cope with their difficulties but during the mid of 1970’s this view changed. Till date the people have a distrusting and frustrating attitude towards their government. Effects of United Nations on America’s current society, economy, politics, and culture United Nations is a peace establishing organization. The efforts of United Nations had a positive impact on the world after the world war. The organization focuses on the purpose of making this world a safer place for humans which ultimately influences a positive impact on American culture, economy, politics and society as it promotes peace and prosperity. Reasons why Americans in the late 1930s wanted to stay out of the European conflicts that became World War I In the late 1930’s the tension growing in Europe and Asia created a clash of thoughts for the Americans. Many American opposed to the fact of interfering in the conflict. In the late 1930, many Americans wanted to stay out of the European conflicts because they believed that it is better if they stay out of the trouble overseas. Americans were afraid of the dictators of Europe and Asia and so they decided that it’s better to stay away from this conflict than to self-destroy. They did not wanted to get involved in another war, as they knew that it could have disastrous effects on the country. Another reason why Americans did not get involved was that the American navy was weak. It was difficult for them to fight against the Japanese and stop them and so Roosevelt made a decision to remain neutral and boycott from this conflict. Role that women played to help win World War II Women played important role in World War Two. They substituted many tasks that were done initially by men. They did this because majority of the men were off to war. The work done by women included working at factories, building trucks, driving ambulances and fire engines, nursing etc. There was a shortage of military personnel in US during the World War 2. This forced the services to enlist women in the US military (Scrivener, 1999). Women showed great strength. Most mothers played the duties of fathers too when their husband was off to the war. It is a fact that without the tremendous efforts of women, the World War 2 would have never been a success. Two Civil Rights breakthroughs after World War II which moved the cause of African-Americans forward The civil rights act broke the job segregation between the African and the Americans. This civil right act outlawed the job discrimination. Many employees left their high paying job in support of this act. According to the Voting Right Act 1965, the African Americans were given the rights to stand for election and to cast their votes for deserving candidates. The result of this act was encouraging as the black community gained representation in some of the northern and western cities of America. Vietnam War brought political awareness to a new generation of young Americans Vietnam has been the longest and the most disappointing war in the history of the United States. Many bad decisions made during this war resulted in the defeat for Americans. This war had negative impact on the American citizens as the war lead to the failure of US and the downfall of their economy. This war made the young Americans think that war is not the only solution and wars can have disastrous effects. It is better to solve the international conflict through dialogue rather then getting indulged in destruction. Programs of President Johnson’s “Great Society” agenda that are still with us today Lyndon Baines Johnson created several laws to help the poor and the minorities and these collectively are known as the Great Society. The president announced his mission about the great society. It was his plan to create a better society (Bowling, 2005). The president signed the Economic Opportunity Act1964, which created economic opportunities to eradicate poverty. The Civil Right Act which eliminated job segregation was given by Lyndon Baines Johnson. Both these acts hold great importance in America. References Bowling, Lawson. Shapers of the great debate on the Great Society : a biographical dictionary. Westport, Conn, 2005. Kozulj, Roberto. "People, cities, growth and technological change ?: From the golden age to globalization1." Technological Forecasting and Social Change vol: 70, issue:3 (2003): 199-230. Scrivener, Laurie. "U.s. military women in world war II: The spar, wac, waves, wasp, and women marines in u.s. government publications." Journal of Government Information vol; 26, issue; 4 (1999): 361–383. Read More