1939-1948 War: The Last Good War

World War II set a standard that has been difficult to match

Many Americans who lived through what was the most destructive war in history still refer to it as "the last good war." Not that any war is good and not that there weren't terrible sacrifices, but World War II, as TIME dubbed it, was a war that had to be fought and won. This was an unambiguous struggle between good and evil. It was not just about national interests but also about values. Hitler and Tojo had to be defeated; there was no doubt about it. The U.S. was the "home front"; the "war effort" was priority No. 1; and complaints...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!