A Time of Paradox: America from the Cold War to the Third Millennium, 1945-Present / Edition 1

by Glen Jeansonne University of Wisconsin-M

Overview

In this lively and provocative synthesis, distinguished historian Glen Jeansonne explores the people and events that shaped America in the decades since World War II. Comprehensive in scope, A Time of Paradox offers a balanced look at the political, diplomatic, social and cultural developments of the post-war period, while focusing on the diverse and sometimes contradictory human experiences that characterized this dynamic era.

Designed with the student in mind, this cogent text provides the most up to date analysis available, offering insight into the divisive election of 2004, the War on Terror and the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Substantive biographies on figures ranging from Jackie Robinson to Madonna give students a more personalized view of the men and women who influenced American society over the last half century.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742533790
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	10/20/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	576
Product dimensions:	6.06(w) x 9.03(h) x 0.74(d)

About the Author

Glen Jeansonne is professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is the author of Women of the Far Right: The Mothers' Movement and World War II, Transformation and Reaction: America, 1921–1945 and Gerald L. K. Smith: Minister of Hate.

Table of Contents

Prologue Part I: An Era of Uncertainty, 1945–1968 Chapter 1: The Fair Deal and the Cold War, 1945–1952 Chapter 2: Peace and Peril, 1953–1960 Chapter 3: The Affluent Society Chapter 4: Cultural Dissent Chapter 5: New Frontiers, New Anxieties at Home, 1961–1968 Chapter 6: Foreign Anxieties, 1961–1968 Bibliographic Essay Part II: An Era of Diversity, since 1969 Chapter 7: The Nixon Years, 1969–1974 Chapter 8: Healing and Malaise: The Ford and Carter Administrations Chapter 9: The Reagan Rebellion Chapter 10: A Culture of Diversity Chapter 11: "Can We All Get Along?": The Soul of the Nation Chapter 12: From George Bush to George W. Bush Postlude: The Presidency of George W. Bush Bibliographic Essay Epilogue: A Time of Paradox

What People are Saying About This

Allan M. Winkler

A Time of Paradox is a colorful and engaging account of the post-World War II years. With its lively prose and thematic focus, it reads as much like a reflective essay as a traditional textbook treatment of the period. Glen Jeansonne does a creative job of crafting a topical organization within a rough chronological framework as he points to the contradictions in postwar American society. Vivid profiles of such figures as Jackie Robinson, Janis Joplin, and Madonna enliven his account and give a sense of the cultural rifts complementing political issues.

Kari Frederickson

A majestic narrative . . . crafted by a superb historian at the peak of his career. Written with equal parts passion, wit, and humility, this book will engage and delight all students of American History.

Patrick W. Steele

Glen Jeansonne has captured the trauma, tragedy, and excitement of the . . . American experience in a clear and balanced style. He has written an important book that will be a major asset in any U.S. history course.

Robert M. Spector

A Time of Paradox has its strength not only in its excellent scholarship but in presenting both sides of the many conflicting issues besetting our American democracy since 1945.

Editorial Reviews

A Time of Paradox is a colorful and engaging account of the post-World War II years. With its lively prose and thematic focus, it reads as much like a reflective essay as a traditional textbook treatment of the period. Glen Jeansonne does a creative job of crafting a topical organization within a rough chronological framework as he points to the contradictions in postwar American society. Vivid profiles of such figures as Jackie Robinson, Janis Joplin, and Madonna enliven his account and give a sense of the cultural rifts complementing political issues.

Allan M. Winkler

Glen Jeansonne has captured the trauma, tragedy, and excitement of the. .. American experience in a clear and balanced style. He has written an important book that will be a major asset in any U.S. history course.

Patrick W. Steele

A majestic narrative. .. crafted by a superb historian at the peak of his career. Written with equal parts passion, wit, and humility, this book will engage and delight all students of American History.

Kari Frederickson

A Time of Paradox has its strength not only in its excellent scholarship but in presenting both sides of the many conflicting issues besetting our American democracy since 1945.

Robert M. Spector

A Time of Paradox has its strength not only in its excellent scholarship but in presenting both sides of the many conflicting issues besetting our American democracy since 1945.--Robert M. Spector, Worcester State College

Glen Jeansonne has captured the trauma, tragedy, and excitement of the . . . American experience in a clear and balanced style. He has written an important book that will be a major asset in any U.S. history course.--Patrick W. Steele, Wisconsin Lutheran College

A majestic narrative . . . crafted by a superb historian at the peak of his career. Written with equal parts passion, wit, and humility, this book will engage and delight all students of American History.--Kari Frederickson, director, Summersell Center for the Study of the South, University of Alabama

From the Publisher