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History 419: America Since 1945

History 419: America Since 1945. Introduction and Themes. Rules of the Road…. I will…. Be preparing the lectures (including videos and slides) and discussion points for our meetings each Monday and Wednesday AM Be preparing assignments to monitor your progress in the class (Wednesday)

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History 419: America Since 1945

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  1. History 419: America Since 1945 Introduction and Themes

  2. Rules of the Road… • I will…. • Be preparing the lectures (including videos and slides) and discussion points for our meetings each Monday and Wednesday AM • Be preparing assignments to monitor your progress in the class (Wednesday) • You’re responsible for… • Reading, attending class, preparing the short assignments, thinking and talking!

  3. Themes for the Semester • The United States as a Global Power • Economic and Social Life in Modern America • Cultural Change and Social Movements • Scandals and Crises • Lessons of History for the Future….

  4. U.S. as a Global Power • Triumphed in World War II with relatively little damage to the economy and society • A new conflict, the Cold War, follows quickly on the end of the world war (1946) • Cold War ends around 1990. • 1990s: New Era of Peace and Globalization • 2001: Start of the War on Terror

  5. Social and Economic Life • In 1945, Americans were not confident that economic prosperity was at hand • The economy had been in depression from 1929 to 1941. • 1945-1973: Unprecedented economic prosperity, sometimes called “the American Century” • 1973 – present: Turbulent economic times of boom and recession

  6. Cultural Change • 1950s: Conformity and the Heyday of the American Family • 1960s-1970s: Rise of protest movements: Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation, Gay Rights, Environmentalism • 1980s: Resurgence of Conservatism and Reagan Revolution • Where are we now?

  7. Scandals and Crises • Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962, brings the world to the brink of nuclear war • Watergate break in (1972) and cover up leads to resignation of President Nixon (1974) • Iran Contra Scandal of the Reagan Era • Monaca Lewinsky Affair leads to impeachment of President Clinton • 9/11 starts a new world crisis of terrorism

  8. Lessons for the Future? • George Santayana: “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” • What is Islamic Fascism? • Is the war on terror like the cold war? • Is the economy growing? • What is the future of the family and family values?

  9. Rules of the Road… • I will…. • Be preparing the lectures (including videos and slides) and discussion points for our meetings each Monday and Wednesday AM • Be preparing assignments to monitor your progress in the class (Wednesday) • You’re responsible for… • Reading, attending class, preparing the short assignments, and thinking and talking!

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