The American West Transformed: The Impact of the Second World War

by Gerald D. Nash

The industrialization of the American West during World War II brought about rapid and far-reaching social, cultural, and economic changes. Gerald D. Nash shows that the effect of the war on that region was nothing less than explosive.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Julian Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. It's easy to take for granted the vast reorganization of American West Coast life during the pivotal WWII years. Nash does a good job of showing how racial demography changed in coastal cities, and how European refugees and emigres contributed to Hollywood and science in these years, especially in the top-secret Atomic bomb project. Some of the language about race does feel outdated, though it does not seem intentionally racist, by today's standards it is awkward.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nash does an excellent job showing how transformative World War II was on the home front, especially in the West (and, he includes, the Plains). It was not just population growth and economic stability that shifted in the West; science, culture and diversity were also effected. Nash uses engaging examples to prove his points.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book examining the impact World War II had on the American West.