What happened during the late 1940s?

by GeneralCheese

We all hear what happened 1940-1945, but what about the years following? This may be a broad question, but thinking about it, I've never heard of anything that takes place in the late '40s. It could be anything - international relations after the war, technological advancements, cultural changes... just something.

bettinafairchild

OK, in a nutshell, the late 40s were the early days of the Cold War. The Soviets began gaining control over many countries, and setting things up to try to get power in some others. The US began setting itself up in opposition to that. There was saber rattling on both sides, which spilled into its first major clash, with the start of the Korean War in 1950.

Otherwise, there were a lot of attempts at diplomacy with the founding and beginning days of the United Nations.

And there was a lot of recovery and rebuilding following World War II. Some countries were destroyed and had to recover, while others were newly freed from being colonies or controlled by other countries, so they had to start forming their own governments. The US didn't have to rebuild, but the baby boom started, as did things like Levittown, the first big, inexpensive suburban housing development, leading to the growth of the suburbs and a change in lifestyle for many people.

In the formation of many of these countries, there were disputes, which are still going on today: the UN created 2 states--Israel and Palestine. War began less than a day later, and has been continuing, on and off, since. Korea is still divided into North and South. India and Pakistan are still fighting each other over their border, and about who gets Kashmir. China still wants Taiwan back. These were all divisions that happened during the late 40s. Here's a list of some of the highlights:

  • The Soviets got nuclear technology
  • The US occupied Japan and started to rebuild it
  • The Cold War started, complete with Truman Doctrine and Berlin Airlift
  • The baby boom started
  • The suburbs boomed
  • India gains its independence from the United Kingdom
  • The Chinese Revolution--China goes communist
  • Israel was created and the Arab nations attacked and there was a war
  • the United Nations begins
  • War crimes trials in Tokyo and Nuremberg
  • The US starts large scale nuclear testing
  • Baseball is desegregated
  • Alger Hiss trial
  • The John Birch Society was formed--this is a far right wing group named after John Birch, an American who was killed by Chinese communists within days after VJ Day. The society was founded to fight communism, considering John Birch to be someone the first victim of a new battle, this time against communism, now that World War II was over. They're considered rather far right fringe. One of the founders was the father of the Koch Brothers, who help fund the Tea Party and other right wing causes today.