Collapse of Peace, The: Post War Labor Unrest
Inflation soars in early post-war years compounded by sharp increases in labor unrest. Workers who willingly support World War II concessions feel that similar requests related to the Cold War are unfair. There are major strikes in the automobile, e...
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 ...
Collapse of Peace, The: Fair Deal Rejected
Just after World War II ends, Truman submits to Congress a 21-point domestic program called "The Fair Deal." With control of both houses, Republicans in Congress move to cut spending and, within limits, chip away at New Deal reforms. Truman, however...
Fallout: Fair Deal Revived, The
With a Democratic majority in Congress, Truman revives a few of the Fair Deal programs. The minimum wage is raised from 40 to 75 cents an hour, but Congress rejects national health insurance and civil rights legislation, limiting Truman to what he c...
Fallout: Nuclear Age, The
By 1949, the USSR tests first atomic weapon and a full-fledged arms race is underway. The growing obsession with the Soviet threat and people's fear of it is reflected in the dark movies of this era. Fear of a nuclear holocaust generates a successio...
Fallout: Election of 1948, The
In the 1948 Presidential election, the Democratic Party is split with Truman's approval at an all time low. The various factions support Strom Thurman, and then Henry Wallace. Republicans unite behind a single candidate, Thomas E. Dewey of New York ...