How Did The Cold War Affect Women's Equality?

Throughout America’s development from the 1870s to the 20th century public relations with the government was inconsistent. During the peak of industrialization and immigration, public relations were bleak. This trend continued during the Great Depression, and it didn’t shift until FDR’s New Deal; however, this trend faltered because WWII pulled America out of the Depression. After the conclusion of WWII American public relations faced volatile strain. The Cold War brew uncertainty of nuclear destruction, but also, civil unrest with current Jim Crow laws and women’s suffrage pushed the boundaries of equality. Further along the timeline, America became involved with Vietnam in relations to the spread of Communism. This war was controversial and
Women were not seen in the work place, that was a man’s job. The movement focused on women’s equality but it was not gaining ground. Many men and women opposed equality because they beloved women were uncappable comprehending politics, voting would destroy families and many assumed women didn’t want to vote anyway. Though, the biggest deterrent was issue of black women voting that would threaten the status quo of white supremacy. Oddly enough, that was how women’s suffrage gained ground. If white women had the right to vote then white supremacy wouldn’t be challenged. Women’s suffrage opted for expediency over equality. The government was selective here. The government supported the movement when it deemed necessary. A white women’s vote would maintain Jim Crow Laws and since all the men were fighting battles in WWI, women took upon themselves to work. The government rewarded that
The American economy took a serious hit on Black Tuesday. Banks failed and American accounts disappeared with it. The job market in cities were drastically cut. Since unemployment rose to such great heights, household incomes took a severe cut. This directly affected quality of life, families were crammed in small apartments and most lacked plumbing. Out in the west the Great Depression caused prices of crops to fall because Americans were not buying due to insufficient income. In addition, western farmers were hit with the dust storms that destroyed land. Along with the Great Depression, the government was unable to implement measures to reverse the unemployment rate and boost the economy. President Hoover was ridiculed because he opted for the American people to be patient, wait for the economy to rebound. Americans needed jobs and income, they couldn’t wait. The American public lost faith in the government. However, a new president with a new promise was creating optimism. President Franklin Roosevelt was pushing his new deal policy. FDR implemented government programs: Works Progress Administration, Public Work Administration, and Civilian Conservation Corps. FDR’s goal was to put Americans to work, and restore hope. Roosevelt spoke openly about his policies with his famous fire side chats. FDR was looking out for all Americans. He implemented Social Security which provided a safety net