The 1940's - Writers Forum

Mr. Arson · 09-20-2004, 10:37 PM

My assignment is to write a small research paper on the forties. I just found out that it is due in three days, and, not surprisingly, I have not started working on it. What I want from you is any interesting facts, insights, or any such thing to do with the forties. I am supposed to write about the Religion, Politics, Government, Music, and Fashion. Any help would be appreciated. Great Thanks.

greggb · 09-20-2004, 10:47 PM

I think there might have been a big war during the forties, but don't quote me on that.

Mr. Arson · 09-20-2004, 11:11 PM

Let me clarify. I meant unobvious insights that might not already be included in the general scheme of the paper. Thanks for the help though.

greggb · 09-20-2004, 11:51 PM

In seriousness, the forties were so strongly influenced by war that it's impossible to talk about politics, religion, etc. without talking about the war, and the effect it had on America and the rest of the world.

Overall, people were more religious than they were immediately prior (and have been since), as people always are when they're in need something. Most soldiers attended services when they could, and prayed often. In the states, moms, fathers, sisters, wives, etc. prayed for their sons, brothers, husbands, etc. who were fighting in the war. You can't dismiss the effect war had on religion.

I don't know a huge amount about internal political issues during WW II, but it's pretty obvious that the major political theme was winning the war, and (maybe more importantly) paying for the war. Many war heroes were sent home to sell war bonds. Children of all ages collected just about anything that could be considered valuable to donate to the war effort.

What might not be obvious, as far as music goes, is that country music was just starting to become popular during the forties. Ernest Tubb recorded ‘Walking the floor over you’, which was a huge hit at the time. Bear in mind that the country music in the 40s was the epitome of the “cheating, drinking, crying” theme country music gets such a bad rap from.

Also, electrical instruments were just starting to become popular during the forties (though many were invented in the 30s). Instruments like electric guitars, electric bass, lap steel, etc.

Hope that helps some.

Mr. Arson · 09-21-2004, 12:52 AM

Thank you for the comments, they were interesting. Just so you know, I do realize that World War II was the one, only, and final event of the forties, and I do intend to include it as my main theme. I was only probing for little known facts that might spice up my paper. I will do my best to include your insights, in particular the advent of electrical instruments.