Chapter 10: Fifty Years After World War II: Toward the Reemphasis of Democracy in American Schools

The war was over. Americans welcomed V-J Day. Some reveled in the streets and long into the next day. Others observed the war’s ending in the solitude of their homes or churches or synagogues, at their work, or in some private place. Without signal or encouragement, most Americans sought to resume what they understood to be the normality of their lives. World War II was past. Peoples of the world could live in peace. Through the mist of the recent horrors, Americans generally believed that their democracy had triumphed.

Just weeks later, schools reopened for the 1945 fall term. Pupils and teachers began another year’s studies in a new era. At least, they did in the United States, England, and in a few other places.