U.S. Economic History Since 1945

The period since 1945 has seen the US economy evolve from an expanding consumer society in which affluence was more widely distributed than before, through to the economic challenges of recessions in the 1970s, and 1980's and the competitive challenge from overseas rivals, notably Japan. Mike French's volume examines the principal economic developments and social changes in the US since 1945, including business, regional change, and protest and urbanisation. The principal social movements, based on the civil rights demands of African-Americans, ethnic minorities and women, are examined. The elements of continuity to pre-1945 trends and the points of departure, notably in the post-1970 period, are discussed, providing a more complete examination than previously available. Comprehensive in its analysis, yet succinct in its approach, the volume will be of interest to students of US history, economic and social history and American studies.