The Making of Modern America: The Nation from 1945 to the Present
By far the best text available for post-1945 U.S. history courses. Donaldson deftly integrates political, diplomatic, social, and cultural history in a style that will engage undergraduates. Especially interesting is his treatment of science and medicine, important topics often receiving scant attention in textbooks. I plan to adoptThe Making of Making of Americain my own course. (Anthony O. Edmonds, George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of History, Ball State University)The Making of Modern Americais detailed enough without losing sight of its central themes. It also leaves room for disagreement with some of the interpretations. Very readable! (John Stranges, University Professor, Niagara University)Gary Donaldson's sparkling book begins likeOnly Yesterdayand ends like yesterday'sNew York Times. It is our story—how America and the Allies' triumph in World War II opened doors of bright possibilities that ended in nightmares. From Hiroshima to Baghdad, from prosperity to economic collapse—Donaldson's book makes sense out of the dreams of the Baby Boomers and the angst of Generation X. It is the story of bold plans and unintended consequences. (Randy Roberts, Distinguished Professor of History, Purdue University)InThe Making of Modern America, Gary A. Donaldson makes a valiant effort to take his student readers from . . . the bombing of Nagasaki to the inauguration of Barack Obama. . . . Will students find basic facts here? Yes.(The Journal of Southern History)