The GI Bill and Post-War Education: A Double-Edged Sword

This chapter examines the historical impact of the GI Bill of Rights on veterans' access to higher education after World War II, contrasting it with the post-World War I experience. It discusses the legislation's role in democratizing college enrollment for many, while also highlighting the significant exclusions faced by marginalized groups. Additionally, the chapter addresses the evolution of educational policy in the context of Cold War anxieties and the limitations of early federal student loan systems.