Soldiers to Citizens: The G.I. Bill and the Making of the Greatest Generation Book

Americans who came of age during World War II--the justly praised "greatest generation"--participated in civic life after the war at unprecedented levels, joining fraternal groups, labor unions, churches and other local organizations and becoming intensely active in politics. What fueled this remarkable "golden age" of civic participation? In this eye-opening volume, Suzanne Mettler argues convincingly that the G.I. Bill was a key factor in this great civic renaissance. Drawing on extensive research that included in-depth personal interviews with veterans and surveys of hundreds of members of "the greatest generation," Mettler shows that veterans who used the Bill's education and training provisions joined 50% more civic organizations and took part in 30% more political activities than those veterans who did not use it. But why did the policy have such a highly positive impact? Mettler describes the G.I. Bill's provisions as characterized by largesse, fairness, and the granting of a resource--advanced education--that is closely identified with the deeply held American value of social opportunity, the chance to improve one's circumstances. The benefits also had a very wide scope: they were used by half of all veterans, including people in all economic classes and a majority of African Americans. Most important, Mettler contends that the Bill treated veterans with dignity and respect, as first-class citizens, and hence they became more inclined to participate as members of the society. It was a generous and indeed magnanimous governmental act, and the veterans reacted in kind. For those concerned about the lack of civic involvement in contemporary America, including readers of Bowling Alone, this book offers a wealth of insight, contradicting the conventional wisdom that government programs have a negative impact on citizenship.Read More