Collapse of Peace, The: Consumer Demand
Initial fear that Depression conditions will return at end of World War II proves unfounded. Government spending drops but consumer demand more than makes up for it. Returning GIs want to get back to a normal life. People look forward to being able ...
Other America, The: Eisenhower Republicanism
Eisenhower is one of the most popular and least experienced presidents of the 20th century. His cabinet is dominated by leaders from the world of business who want, like their president, to return America to its private enterprise roots. Eisenhower ...
Nation Torn, A: Disillusionment Spawned by Vietnam Conflict
The Vietnam war and racial struggles at home creates a wedge between the American people and their government. In retrospect journalists like Marvin Kalb feel they were systematically lied to by the U.S. government, and as a result unknowingly misle...
Hard Times: Ordeal of President Hoover, The
Herbert Hoover begins his presidency in March of 1929 believing, like most Americans, that the nation faces a bright and prosperous future. The economic crisis that begins before the year is over forces him to deal with a very different set of probl...
Hard Times: Interregnum and Early Days of Roosevelt's First Term, The
Before Roosevelt's inauguration, two events are noteworthy: the unsuccessful assassination attempt on the president-elect's life and Roosevelt's rejection of Hoover's proposal to work together on how the economy will be managed. As president, Roosev...
Hard Times: Depression's Effect on Banking and Industry, The
Although relatively few people are invested in the market, the 1929 stock market crash destabilizes other areas of the economy, particularly the banking system. Hoover encourages development of the National Credit Corporation to help rescue banks in...
Hard Times: Coming of the Great Depression, The
Stock prices soar in 1928. Speculation is intense and consumers are caught in its lure, even borrowing in order to invest in the stock market. The alarming declines in stock market prices begin in October 1929 followed by temporary recoveries. J. P ...
Hard Times: Despair of Farmers
Farmers in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama are the hardest hit. People are forced off their lands and the great migrations begin. In 1932, the drought worsens on the great plains. Gigantic dust storms on a scale no one has seen before, cover houses a...
America in a World At War: Prosperity! War-induced Economic Recovery
The economic problems that plagued the nation in the 1930s disappear. World War II stimulates growth and development in newer industries-electronics, chemicals, and petroleum--and cures the problems of older industries as well. Government spending h...
Way We Were?, The: Economic Miracle, The
For most Americans, the 1950s are years of astonishing prosperity in contrast to a world economy that has been devastated by the war. Europeans turn to socialism during this period while the U. S. grips the free enterprise system with enthusiasm, th...