After the War

Drawing of soldier standing in front of sign reading "Employment Office." Drawing of woman & man looking at blue prints for a home. Drawing of woman putting on gloves & wearing factory uniform. Photo of children sheltering under desk. — Clockwise from top left: A veteran looks for work after the war; A couple looks at plans for their dream house; women factory workers were asked to return to their homes after the war; Children practiced "duck and cover" in case of atomic bomb attack.

World War II profoundly changed the world on every level from international to individual. In its wake, the promise of the modern age and the threat of the Cold War heavily influenced postwar Americans. This section traces the journey of Oregon and the nation after the war.

Smoothing the Bumps: Planning for Postwar Reconversion

Victory at Last: Oregon Celebrates the Final Acts of the War

A New Set of Challenges: Welcoming Home the Veterans

Doing Something Right for the Veterans: The G.I. Bill of Rights

A Mixed Reception: Japanese Americans Return to Oregon

A State of Change: Oregon After World War II

Threats from Abroad and Enemies at Home: The Cold War

Next: Smoothing the Bumps: Planning for Postwar Reconversion >