July 23, 2020
Volume 50 - No. 30
FICTION by Tom Calabrese
It had been a difficult 16 years for the United States, starting with the Great Depression in 1929 and ending with World War II in 1945. Millions of Americans expected relief from their years of struggle and sacrifice and finally get their piece of the American dream. Instead, many found disappointment and disillusionment. Millions were laid off from virtually all the major industries as emergency war production shifted back to civilian consumer needs.
The Paper - 760.747.7119
website:www.thecommunitypaper.com
email: thepaper@cox.net
When people look back to the postwar era in the United States, they commonly envision an era of prosperity and social conformity. To an extent this is true -- economic growth was steady between 1945 and 1970, and by outward appearances a certain social cohesion was evident. But such a clear line of progress is easier to impose in retrospect than it was to see at the time. For in the wake of World War II, many people feared a return of the Depression, and the huge strikes, inflation, and labor disorder of 1945-46 did little to dispel those fears.
This era saw a huge influx of workers into the labor force. Over 10 million soldiers were discharged from the military between 1945 and 1947. At the same time, many millions of union members had worked in war industries during World War II. Their unions had put off any major demands for the sake of national unity. Once Japan surrendered, these demands resurfaced and led to the largest series of labor actions in American history. Over five million workers were involved in a strike during the first year after World War II. There was also the issue of hun-
Liberty Locomotive See Page 2
dreds of thousands of refugees flooding in from war zones.
President Truman called his cabinet and advisors to order, “Gentlemen, we are in a precarious position. We won the war and now we have to win the peace. The table is open for any and all suggestions.” “Sir, I might have an idea.”
“Who are you?” President Truman demanded as he looked over to the far corner of the room.