Steven M. Gillon, The American Paradox: A History of the United States Since 1945

Preface and Introduction

• How does Gillon see his history of modern America as different from other histories written about this era?
• What does paradox mean? What central paradox does Gillon identify in terms of recent American history?
• What chief effects of World War II does Gillon highlight?
• What tensions, paradoxes, contradictions, and ironies does he bring to light?