America in Our Time (1945-1960)

America in Our Time (1945-1960)






During the 1940’s racial segregation was governed by law so discrimination was common in the United States. Despite the guarantee of the Fourteenth Amendment, “equal protection of the laws for all persons,” the Supreme Court interpreted that state and federal governments only had to provide equal but segregated facilities for whites and non-whites1. In the 1940s, the United States’ mindset was primarily occupied by World War II. This brought about a sort of “renaissance” in time for Americans- European artists and intellectuals sought refuge in the United States, from Hitler and the Holocaust, which brought new ideas and cynicism2. World War II produced a welcomed resolve for the Great Depression and for the first time in the history of United States women felt, learned, and believed that there was more to life than just being a housewife and mother. However, it was still a very difficult time economically in the U.S.; after vividly seeing the world, soldiers returned home to reclaim their jobs and in search of more than just a family farm. Similarly, Blacks were no longer willing to accept a “second class” status; and as women were shoved back in to their kitchens (oops) normal lives, all seemed quiet on the Western Front.
In the reading of President Truman’s Address3, I understood this address to be a more diplomatic appeal to the people and more detailed explanation of the “greater weaponry” THE United States was working on. He explained what had taken place, and then attempted to justify our needed involvement. I understood that we (America) did not want the war to escalate to this severity, yet when giving an ultimatum to cease and desist- Japan refused. Therefore, they were bombed with atomic energy, in an attempt to thwart any more terror on their behalf. President Truman, who did not tolerate compromising our Democracy, also justified our (America’s) view vested in aiding the project’s success as a benefactor. He made reference towards the...

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