The United States in 1945 and the legacies of the world war: the powers of the presidency; the main political parties; post-war prosperity; regional, ethnic and social divisions
By 1945, the Second World War left the USA richer and more powerful than ever. But deep divisions — by race, region and class — meant that prosperity did not reach everyone equally.
Real World
When Black veteran Medgar Evers returned to Mississippi after serving in Normandy, he was turned away at gunpoint from a polling station — illustrating how post-war prosperity and power bypassed African-Americans despite their wartime sacrifice.
Exam Focus
For 'explain' questions, always link each division (racial, regional, class) to a specific consequence, not just a description.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?