A brief survey of U.S. history since the end of World War II, focusing on popular beliefs, fears, and hopes that have shaped American culture and history over the last eight decades.

A brief survey of U.S. history since the end of World War II, focusing on popular beliefs, fears, and hopes that have shaped American culture and history over the last eight decades. * Explores the ways in which the American people's perceptions of power were as significant as the realities of that power, and how popular beliefs shaped the events of post-WWII America * Gives particular attention to mass media, the fine arts, and intellectual currents, exploring their role in American society * Features "Culture Watch" chapter sidebars, which help students delve into particular classic works of American culture * Intermixes political and social history along with cultural history to provide a comprehensive narrative