Is there a good book about the first half of the American 20th century?

by maxbarbee

So I've been interested lately in history from the first half of the 20th century (mainly pre late 60s) in the United States. I feel like I have a basic understanding of the events after the huge social changes of the late 60s, and the political events that occurred after that up until now (though there's a lot still that I would like to learn). And so, the first half of this century is giving me interest.

I know it's a very broad period, but that's kind of the point. I feel that there are many books outlining specific events (WWI & II, the Cold War, the atom bomb, the New Deal, the Depression, etc) but I'm looking for a broad overview. I just generally want to know more about the whole timeline. I feel like I don't know enough about Hoover or Eisenhower or Wilson or Truman, for example. What were their presidencies like?

So yeah, TLDR: I want to read a book (or actually a documentary could work too?) about the first half of the 20th century in the US, approx. up to the late 60s. Is there such a thing? Or maybe a few books covering certain portions?

jwt0001

I don’t have a single volume to suggest, but the Oxford History of the United States is a useful series for an overview. Each volume is large, but thorough. Right now there is no volume for the 1896 to 1929 period, but Freedom from Fear covers 1929 to 1945 and Grand Expectations covers 1945 to 1974.

They are often used as college texts because of their overall coverage. They review economic, social, political views.

I unfortunately don’t have a documentary to suggest.