Late Modernism: Art, Culture, and Politics in Cold War America facts for kids
.jpg) |
|
| Author | Robert Genter |
|---|---|
| Subject | American intellectual history |
| Publisher | University of Pennsylvania Press |
|
Publication date
|
2010 |
| Pages | 375 |
| ISBN | 978-0-8122-4264-5 |
Late Modernism: Art, Culture, and Politics in Cold War America is a book written by Robert Genter in 2010. It explores the history of ideas and thinking in the United States after World War II, during a time called the Cold War. The book looks at how important thinkers, like art critics, painters, and scientists who study society, shaped American thought during this period.
Contents
What is Late Modernism?
Modernism was a big movement in art, writing, and design that started in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was about breaking away from old traditions and trying new, experimental ways of expressing ideas. Think of abstract paintings or new styles of music.
The "Late" Part
"Late Modernism" refers to the period after World War II, especially during the Cold War (roughly 1947-1991). During this time, artists and thinkers continued to experiment. But they also reacted to the big changes and tensions happening in the world. This included the fear of nuclear war and the rise of new technologies.
The Cold War and Its Impact
The Cold War was a long period of tension between the United States and its allies, and the Soviet Union and its allies. It was called "cold" because there wasn't a direct, large-scale war between the two main powers. Instead, they competed in many other ways, like:
- Building up their armies and weapons.
- Competing in space exploration.
- Trying to spread their political ideas around the world.
- Using spies and propaganda.
How the Cold War Affected Culture
This time of global tension deeply influenced art, culture, and politics in America. Many artists and writers felt a sense of worry or uncertainty. Some art became very serious, reflecting the fears of the time. Other art tried to escape these fears or explore new ideas about freedom and society.
Art, Culture, and Politics in Cold War America
Robert Genter's book looks at how these different parts of life — art, culture, and politics — were connected. He shows how artists and thinkers were not just creating things. They were also responding to the political climate and shaping how people thought about the world.
Key Thinkers and Their Ideas
The book examines the work of many important people from this era. These include:
- Literary critics: People who study and write about books and poetry. They helped shape how people understood new stories and ideas.
- Painters: Artists who created new styles, like Abstract Expressionism, which was a very emotional and non-representational way of painting.
- Sociologists: Scientists who study how societies work. They looked at how people lived and interacted in a changing world.
- Public intellectuals: People who share their ideas with the public through writing, speaking, and teaching. They often commented on important social and political issues.
These individuals helped define what it meant to be an American during the Cold War. Their ideas influenced everything from education to everyday life.
What is Intellectual History?
Intellectual history is a way of studying the past by focusing on ideas. It looks at:
- Where ideas come from.
- How ideas change over time.
- How ideas influence society, politics, and culture.
Instead of just looking at events, intellectual history explores the thoughts and beliefs that drove those events. Robert Genter's book is an example of this. It shows how the ideas of artists and thinkers were a big part of American history during the Cold War.
