Introduction+to+Contemporary+Writers

Important Events:
 * America emerged as the most important nation after World War II
 * Kennedy was assassinated before he could enact many of the reforms he introduced
 * 1950's and 1960's: arms and technology race between the US and Russia
 * 1969 Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon
 * After the turmoil of the 1960s the American people wanted a return to "the good old days"
 * 1968-Nixon promised to bring back normality and pull the US out of Vietnam
 * Nixon resigned rather than being forced out of office after his impeachment
 * Although women received the right to vote in 1920, the women's movement continued on well into the 20th century, growing steadily during the 1970's
 * Television changed politics: Kennedy was one of the first to take advantage of the new media
 * Huge suburban growth in the 60's and 70's
 * Major advancements in technology changed the automotive and industrial industry, as well as created more high tech jobs
 * Increase in the "service industry" to meet the needs of the newly affluent, with more time and money

The National Mood:
 * Mistrust of our direction
 * Recognition of social problems
 * New focus on the environment
 * Reactionary mood
 * Turbulent (schizophrenic mindset)
 * US as world police
 * Stressful: recognition of diversity in the US, wider world perspective, corruption, modern technological lifestyle