Transformation and Reaction: America 1921-1945

by Glen Jeansonne

The subject of "change" is foremost in the minds of Americans today. But when it comes to looking at our past, our country'’s pattern of change —and the response initiated by it— can take on added relevance, providing a meaningful context for understanding historical events. This is the idea behind Jeansonne’'s Transformation and Reaction. Capturing the revolutionary episodes that left their mark on America between World War I and the close of World War II, this insightful volume considers how these movements —and the reactions to them— affected the political, social, and cultural fabric of our country. Jeansonne weaves this "transformation and reaction" theme into a compelling narrative to explore the prevailing tensions of each decade. Highlights include a focus on the established policies of our country, as well as the apparent contradictions in those policies, and coverage of American history, from the political conservatism and cultural radicalism of the 1920s, through the Depression, New Deal, and economic boom fostered by World War II. Significant emphasis is placed on women and minorities. Major society-altering inventions, such as the automobile and airplane, also are discussed. Title of related interest also available from Waveland Wilson, Herbert Forgotten Progressive (ISBN 9780881337051).

Genres: History

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

A specialist in twentieth-century American political history, Glen Stewart Jeansonne taught at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Williams College, the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he worked from 1978 until his retirement until 2015. He earned his BA in history from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and his Ph.D. at Florida State University under the direction of William Ivy Hair.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly concise yet informative look at three amazing decades of American history. It also made me love the '20s even more.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book.