What is the Age of Consensus

The Age of Consensus refers to a period in the United States from the late 1940s to the early 1960s characterised by widespread agreement on key political, economic, and social issues. This era followed World War II and was marked by economic prosperity, political stability, and a general sense of national unity. The term reflects the broad agreement among Americans on the benefits of capitalism, democracy, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Here are number of key features attributed to the Age of Consensus and what it represented:

Economic Prosperity

• The post-war economy experienced significant growth, leading to higher living standards for many Americans.
• There was a rise in consumerism, with Americans buying homes, cars, and modern appliances.
• The GI Bill helped returning veterans access education and home loans, contributing to a growing middle class.

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Political Stability

• Both major political parties, Democrats and Republicans, largely agreed on key issues such as anti-communism, economic growth, and the importance of maintaining a strong national defence.
• Bipartisanship was common, with policies like the Marshall Plan for European recovery and the creation of NATO receiving support across the political spectrum.

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Social Consensus

• There was widespread belief in the American Dream, the idea that anyone could achieve success through hard work and determination.
• Traditional family values were emphasized, with the nuclear family becoming the idealized social unit.
• Religion played a significant role in American life, with many people attending church regularly and religious values influencing public policies.

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Cold War Context

• The fear of communism and the desire to contain its spread abroad united Americans against a common enemy.
• This led to support for international alliances, military interventions, and domestic policies aimed at rooting out communist influence.
• Anti-communist sentiment was strong, leading to the rise of McCarthyism and the persecution of suspected communists in government and society.

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Why is the Age of Consensus Important or Relevant?

Economic Impact

• The economic policies and growth during the Age of Consensus laid the foundation for America's prosperity in the latter half of the 20th century.
• Infrastructure investments, technological advancements, and a strong industrial base contributed to the U.S. becoming a global economic leader.

Political Legacy

• The bipartisan cooperation and political stability of this era set a precedent for future administrations.
• Policies developed during this time, such as Social Security expansions and civil rights legislation, had long-lasting effects on American society.

Social Changes

• The emphasis on traditional family values and consumerism influenced American culture and lifestyle, shaping the suburban landscape and the middle-class ideal.
• The consensus began to break down in the 1960s, leading to social upheaval and movements for civil rights, women's liberation, and anti-war protests.

Cold War Strategies

• The policies and alliances formed during this period were crucial in the U.S. strategy to contain communism and maintain global influence.
• This era set the stage for the U.S. involvement in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War, which had significant impacts on American society and foreign policy.

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Key Terms

GI Bill: Legislation provides World War II veterans benefits, including education and home loans.

Marshall Plan: A U.S. program that provided aid to Western Europe after World War II to help rebuild economies and prevent the spread of communism.

NATO: The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, a military alliance formed in 1949 to counter the Soviet Union.

McCarthyism: The practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence, particularly during the early Cold War period.

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