Book Report

In the 1960’s the United States of America began transitioning from a time of war and social inequality into a new era promoting social justice allowing for a more equal playing field economically for those previously trapped within the economic ladder. America was tired and worn out from World War II. The Liberal Hour clearly shows a change from traditional Democratic ideology to a more Progressive left leaning style of governing. The G.I. Bill provided for an unprecedented number of American soldiers to be able to have access to a college education, which would enable them to move up the economic ladder. The returning soldiers from World War II led to a boom in the construction industry as now more Americans than ever would have access to the “American Dream of Home Ownership.” America flourished economically in early part of the 1960’s. The thriving economy led to the establishment of the “American Middle Class.” Manufacturing workers benefited during these times as hourly wages had tripled in comparison to the start of WWII. However, the economy was also changing as the workforce was generally moving from a “Blue Collar Society” that stemmed from a manufacturing base, to a “White Collar Society” where education and other higher level training programs were being rewarded as the American economy was evolving.
This particular era in American history is regarded as the most significant period with relations to the “Civil Rights Movement.” As noted by the authors of The Liberal Hour (Mackenzie and Weisbrot) the “Civil Rights Movement” started peacefully at a Woolworth’s Department Store lunch counter in Greensboro, NC on February 01, 1960. A group of four college students sat down for lunch and were virtually ignored as the whit...

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... the most influential drop in poverty in the 20th century. The “Great Society” saw the Federal Government as a “helping hand” to those in need, and not a “hand out” as many conservative Republicans were quick to assert. One of the cornerstones of the “Great Society”, was the initial funding for these programs, that was initiated by the 1964 tax cuts of the Kennedy Administration. American citizens have benefited greatly from these social programs with regard to higher education. Since 1965, the Federal Government has spent more than 250 billion dollars, by helping approximately 29 million college students in providing student loans to achieve academic success via a college degree. The Federal Government’s “Student Loan Program” would now provide our country a more educated and qualified workforce, which resulted in increased production within the American economy.