Most Significant Events

History's Most Significant Events

Throughout history there have various social, economic, and political events following World War II. However, I intend to highlight the most significant events for each decade starting with the 1950s and steadily moving thru each decade until I reach the 1990s. Additionally I will elaborate on the direct influences each event had on the United States culture, economy, or government within each decade. Finally, I will paint a visual perspective by discussing our countries current political climate and offer a personal view or some may say an educated guess in how our country will change if a something effective is not done within the next decade.

Eisenhower's Political Measures in the 1950s

In the 1950s during Eisenhower's presidency, he used various political measures to manage the economy. Eisenhower was an exceptional asset to the economy during a time of confusion and political confrontation after WWII. Eisenhower's primary focused was being conservative by deciding what was best for the people rather than allowing the government opinionate their focus (Miller Center, 2009). Eisenhower's goal was aimed to reduce federal spending as the main role of the government. Therefore, Eisenhower believed that the establishment of the highway act and the seaway act would produce more jobs for the economy (Davidson, 2006). However, he chose to fund these acts through tolls and taxes instead of general revenues (Davidson, 2006).

Eisenhower took a sensitive approach with both parties to reach consensus, rather than taking a rigid approach to political ideas (Davidson, 2006). Thus, consensus was based on values of society and the American culture. Many Americans questioned consensus primarily because they feared it would be the same as previous analysis. Additionally, Eisenhower's views led to several agreements concerning the New Deal programs because he did not chose to dismantle the program (Davidson, 2006). However, Eisenhower chose to add to the program's effectiveness by increasing minimum wage, unemployment insurances, and social security (Davidson, 2006). Eisenhower also accepted a federally supported medical insurance plan that would provide for the needy and less financially fortunate (Davidson, 2006). Eisenhower was against a large government as so rejected various liberal proposals on housing and universal health care (Miller Center, 2009). Furthermore, Eisenhower powered an economy based upon the needs of society while decreasing federal spending.

Vietnam War Tensions in the 1960s

The Vietnam War claimed the lives of more than 57,000 young soldiers in return was the longest, and most debated of all-times. However, much of society questioned this involvement. Causalities continued to rise and the war seemed as if it would never end. Nevertheless, the political consensus and the lives of many Americans were greatly affected which was caused by the Vietnam War. Many individuals were affected because they believed that the war was unnecessary, and it was costing the lives of many Americans. However, during baby boom generation many believed the Vietnam War had no strong rallying point, in which they become more enlightened to criticize the war as it continued to go on with no apparent victory insight (Vietnam-War.info 2003). Specifically, the baby boom generation because many believed the Vietnam War had no strong rallying point, in which caused Americans to became more fueled to criticize the war as it continued to progress on with no apparent victory insight (Vietnam-War.info 2003). Additionally, various viewpoints began to evolve during this time as Government intentions were questioned (Davidson, 2006). Increasing casualty rates and unjust factors associated with war inspired students to protest, and created feelings of unrest that appeared to turn public sentiment against the war (Vietnam-War.info 2003). As the number of drafts escalated particularly targeting middle and upper class Americans, in which draft deferments were available to college students and those in desired occupations (Davidson, 2006). Many students become aware of this injustice and combined efforts of activist and protest to speak on this unlawful injustice (Hotchkiss, 2009). However, the murder of four Kent State students by military further fueled society ambitions, and became a turning point in which freedom of speech was at-risk (Davidson, 2006). Many were outraged with distrust for the Government over the way issues were handled, which channeled views of the War to be pointless (Vietnam-War.info 2003).

Indeed, after 1968 when Tet offensive further turned Americans against war because it was the first time media was involved. Americans had the opportunity to view the true actions associated with war in Vietnam. This continued to fuel the Civil Rights movement, as the struggle for racial equality emerged (Davidson, 2006). Mixed feelings of War continued to spread throughout society, as greed and power seemed to be synonymous with the American way. Although War protest brought about a various range of activist who lost respect for government officials, began to speak-out against corruption in the Government. Proclaiming that love, peace, and freedom be granted for all people. Furthermore, a new political sense influence encouraged protest to establish new identities within society (Davidson, 2006).

Nixon's Engagement Policies in the 1970s

Nixon helped to ease economic tensions through a different political approach with engagement policies, as he proposed a new attitude toward communism (Miller Center, 2009). Nixon believed strongly that if America was to avoid communism-allied forces needed to be established between China, Western Europe, Japan, and the Soviet Union (Davidson, 2006). In hopes of reducing defense expenditures, while preventing further conflict (Welsh, 2009). In a believed effort Nixon and Kissinger proposed change in attempt to end war with peace and honor, rather than continuing a vast hostile approach (Davidson, 2006). Additionally, the Vietnamization was an attempt to support South Vietnam while withdrawing U.S. troops. Moreover, in hopes this would bring peace talks and negotiation with North Vietnamese (Davidson, 2006).

However, despite Nixon's attempts at peace, dominance remained an issue. Specifically with the Soviet Union as they had expanded their nuclear arsenal (Davidson, 2006). Although the Nixon Doctrine proposal was intended to shift containment, while allowing new possibilities of negotiation with the Soviet Union (Davidson, 2006). Nixon accomplished reopening a direct communication with China in 1972, following his visit to