http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/05/hitlers-furies-wendy-lower-review
THE WAR ENDS
At the end of World War II, the Nuremberg Trials showed the Nazi’s actions as unacceptable while the bombing in Hiroshima done by the Americans was shown as acceptable.
Political, economic, and social conditions in Europe late and post war time made it difficult to move forward in rational ways.
Social
Throughout World War II, the Jews were discriminated against by the Nazi regime. Certain religions were able to practice their faith openly, while others were persecuted for following their beliefs. Millions of Jews suffered greatly and later died horrible deaths after enduring unspeakable atrocities in concentration camps, labor facilities and crematories purely because of their faith and ethnicity. People strongly believed in the theory of Social Darwinism, which stated that different ethnicities had different levels of capability. Towards the end of the war, allied forces liberated the Jews, allowing millions to practice their faith openly once again. As the magnitude of wrongdoings was made public, the world sympathized with the Jews and developed a greater acceptance of their religious beliefs.
http://www.visiontv.ca/jew-bashing/
Political
Franklin Roosevelt and his successor as President, Harry Truman had a tremendous decision to make in regards of the bombing of Hiroshima. There was no precedent for a weapon of mass destruction such as the atomic bomb and Truman ultimately had to decide whether it was worth the consequences ethically, militarily and politically to drop a bomb that would kill tens of thousands of civilians. His decision was validated because the Japanese surrendered unconditionally several days after the bombing putting an end to the second world war which was the outcome he sought.
Economic
The economic impacts of World War II were long lasting and far reaching. The United States and The Soviet Union's positions as the two dominant super powers were firmly established. Both Germany's and Japans economies suffered greatly due to extensive bombing and political upheaval. Although England was heavily bombed by the Germans and had to rebuild, the war effort advanced their technology and with the monetary aid provided by the United States, they would eventually establish themselves as a world leader in the years after the wars end even though they would no longer be a colonial power. France also would lose their place as a colonial leader in the world and had to rebuild itself again.
http://thepopularfront.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/fixing-the-broken-window-the-post-ww2-economic-miracle-and-the-rate-of-profit/
US as a World Power, the Progressive Era, the Roaring Twenties, WWI, and the Great Depression and New Deal set the stage for WWII in Europe and the aftermath of the war created conditions for the United States and the Soviet Union to emerge as the two predominant world super-powers.
US as a World Power
The United States became a world power after the war for a number of reasons. Because the war was physically not in the United States, the country did not have to rebuild after the devastation that was caused in other countries where battles were actually fought. Industry grew at a rapid rate in many parts of the country and caused the economy to grow as well. The military became very strong after having the opportunity and need to build up over four years. Politically the United States became known as a powerful leader and were relied on economically, militarily, and as a valued ally.
http://www.shmoop.com/spanish-american-war/photos.html
Progressive Era
The Progressive Era ushered in many changes politically, socially, and artistically. Prior to this era, America had had a more traditional view on everything from political voice, to women's place in the home, and realistic and classical forms of art, literature , and music. There are a number of reasons that the arts began moving towards a more contemporary style. Mechanization and industrialization made people feel alienated, lonely, and less vital to the work place. War had become so large scale and impersonal in a way that no one had known before. People were less in contact with nature due to urbanization. For these reasons, forward thinking artists, politicians, and ordinary citizens became more expressive in their dissatisfaction with the way things had been and tried new styles of expression as well as demanded more equality politically. Social and political thinking were expressed through the arts, often in political cartoons.
http://theassailedteacher.com/tag/race-to-the-top/
World War I
World War I brought the United States out of a state of Isolationism to a degree. Europe thought that war to settle multiple disputes would last only a few months and most countries thought that they would be victorious. This time period awakened a certain morality internationally and both individuals and countries began to question both the necessity and outcome of large scale war. The war was devastating internationally with millions dead and millions more unable to answer what the war was truly being fought for. Unrest after the war left many wondering what would happen next to settle differences that had not been resolved during the fight. Morality had come to the forefront of the thought process.
http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/vetsorg.htm
Roaring 20's
The Roaring Twenties saw an era of new rights and morality for women. They were suddenly wearing clothing that was considered outrageous by many, cutting their hair, smoking, going to clubs, dancing, and doing less domestically than they had in the past. Those that wanted to keep things the same considered these actions to be immoral. Those that wanted progress for women considered these actions to be moving women in the proper direction - forward. They considered this progress and behavior to be moral and appropriate.
historyofsexuality.umwblogs.org
Great Depression and The New Deal
The Great Depression and The New Deal brought about great change and innovation in the way businesses operated. Millions of jobs were lost in The Great Depression, many of those happened to be none-white jobs belonging to unskilled laborers. They had few rights and few options. The New Deal brought about by Roosevelt looked at labor and the economy with a more moralistic approach and many things were put into place that helped the common worker. Minimum wage legislation as well as Social Security legislation were introduced creating a greater sense of security for working class people.
http://www.crewof42.com/news/black-problems-persist-as-black-leaders-bicker/