How did Cold War liberalism between 1945 and 1952 blend elements of political assertiveness and economic liberalism? What was the impact on American culture? Was this synthesis stable and durable?

Two: Between the end of the Korean War and the start of the Vietnam War what was the nature of the American "affluent society"? Why was youth culture such an integral part of this era? How did the election of John F. Kennedy as president in 1960 epitomize this era?

Three: How did the Civil Rights Movement both challenge and affirm the American dream of economic mobility and cultural freedom? Why was Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech so pivotal in American history? Why did the movement lose focus after the legislative victories of 1964 and 1965 and the shift to a national focus on racism and economic inequality?

Four: Why did the Democratic Party lose more than just an election when Richard M. Nixon became President in January 1969? But why is Nixon not considered by the text to be part of the "conservative ascendency?"

Five: What are the social, economic, and political forces that helped propel Ronald Reagan into the White House in 1981 and have made his vision so dominant ever since?

Six: A popular expression asserts that "9-11 changed everything." In your reasoned opinion, based on the text and our discussions, do you think this is true?