This challenging and motivating text presents the experience of the U.S. in World War II as a backdrop for understanding recent developments and events in American history. Four principal interwoven themes trace 1) the pervasive impact of the Cold War, 2) the effects of social-protest movements among African-Americans, women, and other groups, 3) the sources and impact of economic, demographic, and cultural changes, and 4) a thorough examination of politics.