In this lively and provocative synthesis, distinguished historian Glen Jeansonne explores the people and events that shaped America in the twentieth century. Comprehensive in scope, A Time of Paradox offers a balanced look at the political, diplomatic, social and cultural developments of the last century while focusing on the diverse and sometimes contradictory human experiences that characterized this dynamic period. Designed with the student in mind, this cogent text provides the most up to date analysis available, offering insight into the divisive election of 2004, the War on Terror and the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Substantive biographies on figures ranging from Samuel Insull to Madonna give students a more personalized view of the men and women who influenced American society over the past hundred years.
Glen Jeansonne is professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is the author of Women of the Far Right: The Mothers' Movement and World War II, Transformation and Reaction: America, 1921–1945, and Gerald L. K. Smith: Minister of Hate.
Table of Contents
Prologue Prelude: The 1890s: Bridge to the Twentieth Century Part I: An Era of Awakening, 1900–1919 Chapter 1: TR, Taft, and the Progressive Impulse Chapter 2: America Looks Outward, 1900–1912 Chapter 3: Nations Within: The Experiences of Immigrants, Minorities, and Workers Chapter 4: A Cultural Awakening, 1900–1919 Chapter 5: Wilson, Reform, and the Coming of War Chapter 6: From World War to Lost Peace Bibliographic Essay Part II: An Era of Trial and Triumph, 1920–1945 Chapter 7: The 1920s: Decade of Fear, Decade of Excess Chapter 8: Republicanism from Prosperity to the Great Depression Chapter 9: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal Chapter 10: Culture: Revolt and Retreat Chapter 11: Interwar Diplomacy Chapter 12: World War II: Home Front and Battlefront, 1941–1945 Bibliographic Essay Part III: An Era of Uncertainty, 1945–1968 Chapter 13: The Fair Deal and the Cold War, 1945–1952 Chapter 14: Peace and Peril, 1953–1960 Chapter 15: The Affluent Society Chapter 16: Cultural Dissent Chapter 17: New Frontiers, New Anxieties at Home, 1961–1968 Chapter 18: Foreign Anxieties, 1961–1968 Bibliographic Essay Part IV: An Era of Diversity, since 1969 Chapter 19: The Nixon Years, 1969–1974 Chapter 20: Healing and Malaise: The Ford and Carter Administrations Chapter 21: The Reagan Rebellion Chapter 22: A Culture of Diversity Chapter 23: "Can We All Get Along?": The Soul of the Nation Chapter 24: From George Bush to George W. Bush Postlude: The Presidency of George W. Bush Bibliographic Essay Epilogue: A Time of Paradox
A Time of Paradox is a majestic narrative of the twentieth century crafted by a superb historian at the peak of his career. Written with equal parts passion, wit, and humility, this book will engage and delight all students of American history.
Patrick W. Steele
In A Time of Paradox: America since 1890, Glen Jeansonne has captured the trauma, tragedy, and excitement of the 20th century American experience in a clear and balanced style. Jeansonne has written an important book that will be a major asset in any U.S. History course.
