The Unfinished Journey: America Since World War II

This popular classic text chronicles America's roller-coaster journey through the decades since World War II. Considering both the paradoxes and the possibilities of post-war America, Chafe portrays the significant cultural and political themes that have colored our country's past and present, including issues of race, class, gender, foreign policy, and economic and social reform. He examines such subjects as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, the origins and the end of the Cold War, the culture of the 1970s, the Reagan years, the Clinton presidency, and the events of September 11th and their aftermath.

In this edition, Chafe provides an insightful assessment of Clinton's legacy as president, particularly in light of his impeachment, and an entirely new chapter that examines the impact of two of America's most pivotal events of the twenty-first century: the 2000 presidential election turmoil and the September 11th terrorist attacks. Chafe puts forth an excellent account of George W. Bush's first year as president and also covers his subsequent role as a world leader following his administration's declared war on terrorism. The completely revised epilogue and updated bibliographic essay offer a compelling and controversial final commentary on America's past and its future. Brilliantly written by a prize-winning historian, the fifth edition of The Unfinished Journey is an essential text for all students of recent American history.

This popular and classic text chronicles America's roller-coaster journey through the decades since World War II. Considering both the paradoxes and the possibilities of post-war America, Chafe portrays the significant cultural and political themes which have colored our country's past and present, including issues of race, class, gender, foreign policy, and economic and social reform. Chafe examines such subjects as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, the origins and the end of the Cold War, the culture of the 1970s, the Reagan years, the Clinton presidency, and the events of September 11th and their aftermath.

1. The War Years

2. Origins of the Cold War

3. Truman and the Cold War

4. "The Other Half of the Walnut": Social Reform and Activism in the Postwar Years

5. The Paradox of Change: American Society in the Postwar Years

6. The Civil Rights Movement

7. John F. Kennedy: The Myth and the Reality

8. LBJ: The Trial of Consensus

9. Vietnam--The Early Years

10. "Lyndon's War"

11. Coming Apart at Home

12. 1968

13. "Bringing Us Together"

14. New Rules, Old Realities

15. The Reagan Years

Epilogue