When dreams came true: the GI Bill and the making of modern America

Abstract

This work describes the making of modern America by the passage of the GI Bill in 1944 and the initiative of hundreds of thousands of ambitious veterans. This landmark legislation enabled them to become educated and to own their own homes and businesses. More than any other law, the GI Bill was responsible for the post-World War II explosion in college graduates, the education of leaders of the civil rights movements, the growth and dominance of the suburbs, a prosperous blue-collar work force, and the proliferation during the 1950s and 60s of fast-food franchises, interstate highways, supermarkets, motel chains, malls and discount stories. In short, the GI Bill changed the face of America. Author Michael Bennett shows that it was even responsible for today's information society.