In this lively and provocative synthesis, distinguished historian Glen Jeansonne explores the people and events that shaped America in the decades since World War II. Comprehensive in scope, A Time of Paradox offers a balanced look at the political, diplomatic, social and cultural developments of the post-war period, while focusing on the diverse and sometimes contradictory human experiences that characterized this dynamic era. Designed with the student in mind, this cogent text provides the most up to date analysis available, offering insight into the divisive election of 2004, the War on Terror and the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Substantive biographies on figures ranging from Jackie Robinson to Madonna give students a more personalized view of the men and women who influenced American society over the last half century.