The 1950s: A Time of Divergence

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at the political climate of the 1950s and discusses McCarthyism, the Eisenhower presidency, dynamic conservatism, politics of consensus and civil rights. The paper shows how the 1950s were not perfect and not totally peaceful, but explains that this era laid the foundation for a post-war America conscious of its place in the new global community.

From the Paper:

"The 1950s were a time of great happiness for some. For middle-class white America things could not have been better. The economy was booming and jobs were plentiful; the American Dream of a house in the suburbs with a white picket fence was now a reality for many. Under the surface, however, trouble was brewing. Racial tensions were coming to a head and the middle of the road policies of Eisenhower were beginning to show the wear of time. Globally, the spread of communism in Southeast Asia was leading to the possibility of another world war in the not-so-distant future and at home some citizens where finding the government testing their loyalty to America."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Davidson, J., Gienapp, W., Heyrman, C.L., Lytle, M., Stoff, M.B. (2002). Nation of Nations: A Concise Narrative of the American Republic. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies
• Hauge, Gabriel (1955, November 15). The Economics of Eisenhower Conservatism. Vital Speeches of the Day, Retrieved November 4, 2007, from Academic Search Premier database.
• Heffernan, R. (2002, September). 'The Possible as the Art of Politics': Understanding Consensus Politics. Political Studies, 50(4), 742-760. Retrieved November 4, 2007, from Academic Search Premier database.
• Meyer, F. (1956, September 15). Adrift on the Wave of the Future. National Review, 2(17), 16-16. Retrieved November 4, 2007, from International Security & Counter Terrorism Reference Center database.

More papers on The 1950s: A Time of Divergence:

• Term Paper # 104941 : "The 1950s: A Decade of Peace?"
• Analytical Essay # 2124 : "The Twenties: A Time of Spontaneity and Rhythm"
• Essay # 32200 : "The Seamstress: A Memoir of Survival"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: