What were the 20 best years, of the 20th century, to be an American?

Question

Please give a twenty-year interval and explain why. I am writing a book.

food for thought: the AIDS phenomenon gained prominence in 1985. 1990 heralded the onslaught of political correctness, and the return of openly imperialist ambition by a conservative administration. 1995 begin a deeply cynical run-up in largely fictitious internet securities. By 1999, millions were expecting the collapse of the US economy, and, as a separate matter, the Y2k debacle. In 2001, the American psyche was shattered and the seat of US financial markets was roiled by cataclysm.

Answer 1

I would have to say that probably 1946-1966 were the best overall. The economy, for the most part, was strong and unemployment was low. Many new items were invented and implemented into Americans' daily lives to make them less work intensive and provide more leisure time. Socially, America was changing to give more Americans more rights so that people would not be judged (as much) by their race or gender. Culturally, areas in the arts such as music, film, and fashion were cruising forward and changing forever the look and views of our nation.

All of those things were important and probably very exciting to be experiencing first hand. However, I have to say that the primary reason why these years were the best time to be an American was the feeling of superiority that Americans felt at the time. They were victorious in two world wars and had emerged as a super power. Although the Cold War was in full swing, no one around the world dared to dispute the power and influence that America had on the globe. Also, since the US had never really experienced the hardships that other nations had dealt with such as being involved in a total war within their borders, refugees, and terrorism---Americans had an innocence which allowed them to believe that they were safe and that nothing really could touch them.

I chose to begin my 20 years with 1946 because the troops had returned from war for the most part and began the Baby Boom. I also made sure to have a window that would end before 1968 when figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated and before the American involvement in the Vietnam War was at its most controversial.

Answer 2

1948 - 1968
the war was over, men were coming home, babies were being born, the economy was booming, rock and roll developed, we landed on the moon, Americans were proud to be Americans. Life was simple. Women stayed home and raised families. Fathers stayed with their wives and children. Christmas was a religious holiday and it was "ok" to be that. Easter as well. Food was probably more organic and we, as a whole, were healthier.
This time period is before I was born. So I don't know how accurate I am as far as good vs bad. I have always thought though that the 50's were America's peak time. The 60's seen the fall of our belief in our government and the whole system. The 70's...well it just went down hill from there...
Not that things are bad now. We (most everyone who chooses) has food and shelter and clothes to wear. We all feel safe and secure in our beds at night. Perhaps falsely after 9/11(and other attacks), but we feel safe non the less.

Answer 3

Late 1940's to late 1960's. After World War 2, the economy was good and people were working. In the 50's there was prosperity, the only drawback was the Korean War. In the 60's we had Woodstock, peace marches, and unfortunately the Vietnam War, and Kennedys assasination. Come to think of it, the 60's weren't that great.

Answer 4

I think it depends on who you are. In the so called "greatest generation" time, black Americans endured the horrors of racism. There was a lot of anti-semitism in pre-World War II. In the 60's, there was a lot of unrest in the country. Personally, I would say from 1975-1995. Things are never going to be perfect, but perfection is an illusion.

Answer 5

For me they were from about '75 through '95. You had the benefits of the late 70s and the freedom of every kind of expression, you had all of the 80s which spawned the "me" generation, and the first years of the 90s were alos realitively carefree with lotsa influential music changes. It was a fun-filled 20 years.

Answer 6

probably the first 20, good times and prosperity, the involvement in world war one was probably the only downer and america didn't suffer too badly from that. if you look at any other 20 year stretch they all have something bad going on, 20-40 was the depression, 40-60 had world war two, 60-80 had vietnam and watergate, 80-99 had cold war tension and reagans recession.

Answer 7

1947 to 1967.

America had won the war and the population and housing boom put American at the forefront of a better life.

The GI Bill opened the door toeducational opportunities and technology (like television) gave people more and better leisure.

The Cold War and the bomb did put a scare it things, but most people carried on.

We were brought face-to-face with the racial problems in America and, painfully, dealt with the proper treatment of everyone.

It came to an end, not with the assassination of Kennedy, but the Tet offensive in 1968 which shows the flaws in our foreign policy.

It's brief, but it will suffice

Answer 8

It was 1962 to 1982, during those years the country changed the most for the better.

Answer 9

I can't answer that, but I would just point out that the answer might be different if you talk to a male american and a female american.

eg the the 50s might have been great if you were a man, but very restrictive if you were a woman

Answer 10

I think from 1954 to 1974. The music was certainly the best.