The Columbia History of Post-World War II America

Renowned scholars in economics, foreign affairs, political science, and social and cultural history take a provocative look at the past half century of American life.

Rather than divide the period according to such traditional categories as "women," "television," and "presidential politics," these essays undertake a cross-topical approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of American life and society.

Beginning with an analysis of cultural themes and ending with a discussion of evolving and expanding political and corporate institutions, essays address changes in America's response to the outside world and its exploration of space; the merging of psychological states and social patterns in memorial culture, scandal culture, and consumer culture; the intersection of social practices and governmental policies; how technological change has affected society and politics; and, how crises in belief systems have helped to generate new technologies.

Comprehensive and clearly presented, this volume is full of fresh perspectives on a popular historical period.