1945 Part 4: Victory in Europe
May 8, 2025
Richard Frank, a Pacific War historian, and Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning expert on WWII leadership, discuss the dramatic surrender of Germany and its aftermath. They explore poignant themes like the resilience of women during wartime and the challenges of transitioning to a peacetime economy. The conversation highlights Truman's leadership during this critical juncture and the geopolitical tensions brewing post-war. They also dive into the ethical implications of the Manhattan Project and the complex emotions of soldiers still fighting in the Pacific.
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VE Day Family Memories
- Donald Miller shares vivid memories of VE Day in his hometown and how women held households during the war.
- The community celebrated wildly, mixing grief with jubilation as they anticipated the Pacific war's end.
May 8th, 1945: Mass Relief
- May 8th, 1945 is arguably the happiest day in American history due to immense relief and collective joy.
- The war's end meant families' anxiety about soldiers' lives was finally released, though Pacific fighting continued.
Post-War Economic Anxiety
- The economic uncertainty post-WWII centered on inflation and whether the economy could sustain itself without military spending.
- Consumers anticipated a flood of goods, sparking fears that prices would soar once rationing ended.