Which of the following statements accurately characterizes the United States in the 1950s?
A) Although foreign affairs remained unprecedentedly stable during this period, domestic affairs took a turn for the worse, as several epidemics brought shorter average life spans and economic growth brought increased crime.
B) Because the cold war had come to an end soon after the Second World War, Americans came to experience prosperity in their day-to-day lives and could focus on rebuilding the economy without the threat of nuclear war in the background.
C) Most Americans had emerged from the Second World War disappointed by their country's exhausted industrial capacity and declining international stature and looked to the cold war as a means of becoming a world power once again.
D) The period was dominated by American presidents who leaned toward extremes in all ways, much as the leaders of the Axis powers had during the Second World War-refusing to take an approach of moderation and insisting on fighting fire with fire.
E) Although white, middle-class Americans enjoyed unprecedented economic growth, the idealized image of America at the time was much more complicated in terms of race and class, and many feared what the new age of nuclear terror might bring.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While economic growth did occur in the 1950s, particularly for white, middle-class Americans, it is important to note that the period was characterized by a more complicated image of America in terms of race and class. Additionally, the threat of nuclear war loomed large, causing fear and anxiety for many Americans. Statements A, B, C, and D are inaccurate in their characterization of the period.

Which of the Following Statements Accurately Characterizes the United States