The Great Depression of the 1930s never anticipated the failure of the economy.
After the Great Depression America learned what to avoid and was awaiting new leadership that would avoid the pitfalls that lead to the Great Depression. After World War II America established itself as a global superpower. It was not until the 1950s that the rise of the middle class came to define the American economy. By the 1950s the amount of white collar jobs surpassed the amount of blue collar jobs. The economy was not as reliant on manufacturing as it was on consumerism.
By this time everyone was entitled to a piece of the pie that was the American Dream.
The Great Depression of the 1930s never anticipated the failure of the economy.
After the Great Depression America learned what to avoid and was awaiting new leadership that would avoid the pitfalls that lead to the Great Depression. After World War II America established itself as a global superpower. It was not until the 1950s that the rise of the middle class came to define the American economy. By the 1950s the amount of white collar jobs surpassed the amount of blue collar jobs. The economy was not as reliant on manufacturing as it was on consumerism.
By this time everyone was entitled to a piece of the pie that was the American Dream.
Through most of history there were some form of monarchy at the top of all cultures. Most people were peasants or slaves, at the mercy of the monarchy and their entitled chain of command; relatives and friends. There was no independent middle class, until about the Magna Carta in 1215 England, where rich land owners had a vote beyond the rule of the monarchy; upper-upper middle class.
It took over 500 years, until the Constitution of the USA, in 1776, took this to the next level. It was an experiment for a more expanded middle class; upper, middle and lower. It did so by not just having a vote, but by eliminating the monarchy, all together in the new land, in favor of a Constitutional Republic. The Government of the people and by the people, operated under the premise that we; all humans; have God given rights. This implies no human was above others, based on blood line; blue blood entitlement. God is above all, and therefore if he gives rights, all are to be treated as equal by the law. To this end, each person had Constitutionally protected freedoms to pursue happiness, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to assemble, freedom of the press, to help hold power in check; fourth branch. Monarchies did not like these rights, since it made it impossible to corral the middle class back into flock of sheep below the monarchy.
The expansion of the US, westward into the new territories; manifest destiny, with land cheap to buy, offered a unique way to grow the middle class based on their own efforts. This led to many people working up from humble beginning to become the President; Lincoln. There was no class entitlement when it came to elected office, back then.
The unique prosperity and rise of the middle class, after World War II, was due in part to the nature of the Golden Generation, who had overcome a lot of adversity and still push forward. They were raised during the Great Depression and grew up to fight in the war effort to defeat two evil monarchies; Hitler and Hirohito. Going home after war, back to their families , everyone was thankful for the God given rights of freedoms that the USA offered its citizens.
The America dream; the middle class, is where you could own your home and little business, and have the right privacy and security, allowing every man to be a mini king of their own castle. At home you were your own symbolic country, as part of a larger federation of free people. This level of freedom was almost taken away by two very well equipped, Imperialist ambitions, and home sweet home was seen as more precious than ever. Often we only appreciate what we have, when we lose or almost lose it. This rush of freedom and patriotism released the creative drive of the golden generation and led to prosperity and a surge in the middle class.
Go forward to today. Now, many of the liberties that the Golden Generation fought for, are being threatened. Freedom of religion is not free anymore, since you are not able to practice where you wish. One whiny atheist operative counts for more than a hundred worshipers. Freedom of speech is no longer free, but is being censored. This was done first by the liberal language police, and then by the power of Government to target the free speech of political adversaries.
More recently, the crooks in power allowed personal property to be home invaded, not only by squatters, but by the Government goons for political reasons. The once free press who kept power in check, is now in bed, with power, as propaganda wings of political parties; fake news. Little by little with the erosion of our freedoms, goes the middle class and then leads to the rise of monarchies, but not based on ability or merit, but entitlement. A bad leader who has the right blood is entitled to rule.
We can thank the evil wing of the Democrat Party for taking away all these freedoms from all good citizens in both parties, and shrinking the middle class, while increasing the freedom of their fellow thugs. Criminals are now free to rob or invade the country, while citizens are not allowed to defend. The goal appears be a Socialism Monarchy with everyone not entitled by decree, becomes a pacified peasant, or a slave in hard labor.
Through most of history there were some form of monarchy at the top of all cultures. Most people were peasants or slaves, at the mercy of the monarchy and their entitled chain of command; relatives and friends. There was no independent middle class, until about the Magna Carta in 1215 England, where rich land owners had a vote beyond the rule of the monarchy; upper-upper middle class.
It took over 500 years, until the Constitution of the USA, in 1776, took this to the next level. It was an experiment for a more expanded middle class; upper, middle and lower. It did so by not just having a vote, but by eliminating the monarchy, all together in the new land, in favor of a Constitutional Republic. The Government of the people and by the people, operated under the premise that we; all humans; have God given rights. This implies no human was above others, based on blood line; blue blood entitlement. God is above all, and therefore if he gives rights, all are to be treated as equal by the law. To this end, each person had Constitutionally protected freedoms to pursue happiness, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to assemble, freedom of the press, to help hold power in check; fourth branch. Monarchies did not like these rights, since it made it impossible to corral the middle class back into lock of sheep below the monarchy.
The expansion of the US, westward in the new territories; manifest destiny, with land cheap to buy, offered a unique way to grow the middle class based on their own efforts. This led to many people working up from humble beginning to become the President; Lincoln. There was no class entitlement when it came to elected office, back then.
The unique prosperity and rise of the middle class, after World War II, was due in part to the nature of the Golden Generation, who had overcome a lot of adversity and still push forward. They were raised during the Great Depression and grew up to fight in the war effort to defeat two evil monarchies; Hitler and Hirohito. Going home after war, back to their families , everyone was thankful for the God given rights of freedoms that the USA offered its citizens.
The America dream; the middle class, is where you could own your home and little business, and have the right privacy and security, allowing every man to be a mini king of their own castle. At home you were your own symbolic country, as part of a larger federation of free people. This level of freedom was almost taken away by two very well equipped, Imperialist ambitions, and home sweet home was seen as more precious than ever. Often we only appreciate what we have, when we lose or almost lose it. This rush of freedom and patriotism released the creative drive of the golden generation and led to prosperity and a surge in the middle class.
Go forward to today. Now, many of the liberties that the Golden Generation fought for, are being threatened. Freedom of religion is not free anymore, since you are not able to practice where you wish. One whiny atheist operative counts for more than a hundred worshipers Freedom of speech is no long free, but is being censored first by the language police and then even the power of Government was used to target the free speech of political adversaries, and were not even punished for their Constitutional crimes. This may need to change.
More recently, the crooks in power allowed personal property to be home invaded, not only by squatters, but by the Government goons for political reasons. The once free press who kept power in check, is now the propaganda wings of political parties; fake news. Little by little with the erosion of freedoms,, goes the middle class and leads to the rise of monarchies, but not based on ability or merit, but entitlement.
We can thank the evil wing of the Democrat Party for taking away freedom from all good citizens in both parties, and shrinking the middle class, while increasing the freedom of their fellow thugs. Criminals are now free to rob or invade the country, while citizens are not allowed to defend. The goal appears be a Socialism Monarchy with everyone not entitled by decree, a pacified peasant or slave in hard labor.
Because Europe and Asia were pretty much destroyed after WW-2, America was pretty much the only country on Earth that was open for business. It took 30 years for Europe and Asia to repair themselves and finally start giving America competition at a global level. The only way we can have another such opportunity is to destroy Europe and Asia again.( Hope that never happens)
1914–1919: The United States initially aimed to remain neutral in the conflict, but as World War I escalated in Europe, it became increasingly difficult to maintain that position. President Woodrow Wilson eventually led the U.S. into the war, and American troops played a crucial role in the final stages of the conflict. The war ended in 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which had significant implications for global politics and territorial boundaries
1920–1929: After World War I, the U.S. emerged as a rich and powerful nation. The 1920s were characterized by economic prosperity, rapid social and cultural change, and a mood of exuberant optimism. Notable developments included the first trans-Atlantic phone call, the first sound movie, the introduction of the first enclosed car at popular prices, and the discovery of penicillin
1929–1938: The Great Depression was a severe economic downturn that began in August 1929, months before the stock market crash in October of the same year. The economy shrank, unemployment soared, and financial hardships affected millions of Americans. Recovery began in 1938, but unemployment remained high until the United States entered World War II
Post-World War II: The United States solidified its position as a superpower after World War II. The war had devastating effects globally, but the U.S. emerged relatively unscathed, with a strong economy, military power, and influence. The Marshall Plan, the establishment of the United Nations, and the Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union further cemented the U.S. as a dominant force on the world stage.
Religious and Social USA:
Ecumenical Protestants played a significant role in shaping American domestic politics from the 1920s to the 1960s. These ecumenical Protestants, often referred to as “liberal” or “mainline” Protestants, were globally connected and advocated for human rights. They supported the New Deal, the Civil Rights Movement, the Great Society, and anti-Vietnam War protests. Their activism helped realign religious communities into political coalitions.
However, by the 1960s and 1970s, divisions intensified. Protests, generational gaps, and criticism from both the Left and the Right widened the values gap between ecumenical leaders and ordinary churchgoers. The National Council of Churches encouraged activism against the Vietnam War, segregation, and poverty, leading to polarization within religious groups.
The rise of the Christian Right in the 1970s further contributed to the division, as evangelicals mobilized around conservative causes, emphasizing issues like abortion, morality, and family values.
Middle Class USA:
Since 1970, household incomes have risen, but the gains for middle-class households have been modest compared to upper-income households. The middle class’s share of aggregate U.S. household income has steadily declined since 1970. As income inequality increased, the middle class faced economic pressures, affecting their financial stability and fortunes.
In 2020, the median income of middle-class households was 50% greater than in 1970, while lower-income households saw slower growth (45%). Upper-income households experienced the steepest increase (69%). Consequently, the income gap between upper-income and other households widened over time.
During the early 2000s, incomes fell across the board, impacting middle-class households significantly. The financial crisis of 2008 exacerbated economic challenges, leading to job losses, home foreclosures, and reduced wealth for many middle-class families.
I think the middle class became strong for a couple of reasons. 1. after WWII there was a lot of good will. Businesses respected pensions and upheld them. 2. We began to reap benefits from Economic theories, particularly Keynesian. Mistakes were made, but we learned from the Great Depression's worse mistakes. Economics became a much more thoroughly researched Science and has ever since been gathering data and testing models to prevent more great depressions.
