This collection of essays by established and younger scholars presents history as it was lived (and should be written): with a mélange of elite and average peoples' perspectives. All were activists for change who, whatever their position in and outside of the power structure, knew how to leverage their particular talents. Theirs is a story of the individual identifying problems, ... Read morestruggling for a hearing, and triumphing for the cause. The authors have provided a great service by giving us the voices of a range of participants who shaped the epic Cold war. By doing so, this book brings together the best of political, social, and cultural history.
Thomas W. Zeiler, author of Ambassadors in Pinstripes: The Spalding World Baseball Tour and the Birth of the American Empire With insight and verve, the authors of these essays tell the life stories of a striking variety of significant figures in politics, international affairs, and movements for social justice. Whether prominent or less familiar, activists or wielders of established power, the notable individuals in The Human Tradition in America since 1945 all show that, ultimately, people make history.
Chester Pach, Ohio University Show Less