The Red Scare: The fear of communist influence and Soviet espionage gripped many Western nations. Governments took measures to identify and remove suspected communists and communists sympathizes from influential positions.
McCarthyism: The peak of anticommunists fervor in the United States as symbolized by Senator Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy's aggressive and unsubstantiated accusations of communist infiltration led to persecution and blacklisting of individuals in various industries and professions.
Decolonization Movements: In contrast to the conservativism of Western powers, many colonial territories experienced a surge in movements of independence. The end of the war accelerated the process of decolonization, as European countries found themselves weakened and with less resources to devote to their colonies.
Economic Boom and Recovery: The post war years witnessed a period of intense economic growth and modernization in many parts of the world, especially in North America and Western Europe. This era, often referred to as "the economic miracle," saw rapid increases in industrial productivity and consumer goods.
Baby Boom: There was a significant rise in the birth rates in many countries during and immediately after the war, leading to what became known as the baby boom generation. This had social, economic, and cultural implications, such as increased demand for housing and education, as well as shifts in consumer trends.