For many years there has been discussion about the best decade and era in the United States of America. People convince each other that the 1920s were the golden age or that the 1990s were the most influential, but there is no clear, national agreement on this point. In fact, according to different authors and editors, no single year has actually solved all the problems in the United States. From some people's perspective, however, it is not a question of which decade will end all problems, but rather which decade influenced most areas of Americans' lives. Although the 1940s did not solve all of America's problems, they were the years that most influenced contemporary America in areas such as world economic leadership, abandoning once and for all the politics of isolationism and contributing greatly to the rights of women and minorities. Early in its history, the country had always been very cautious about its policy of isolationism, but this would change with the end of World War II and the Soviets' desire to spread communism around the world. The United States has long tended to stay away from world problems in order to protect itself from involvement in unnecessary wars. However, in 1945, when the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ceased to be an ally, the United States had to rethink its strategy for the following years. President Harry S. Truman proposed his own doctrine in which he stated: "It shall be the policy of the United States to support free people who resist attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressure" (Compston , 197). This policy began in 1947, when Greece and Turkey called for help from communists who were trying to overthrow... middle of paper... path to success. (1940s.org)The history of the United States of America is full of important events and turning points for different groups of people. Certain decades could be said to have had a greater effect on contemporary America than others. It was during the 1940s, however, that many areas of American thought underwent the greatest changes. Women and minorities were allowed to work in war factories instead of staying home or struggling with unemployment, foreign policy changed with the first defensive pact that brought America out of its isolation and, finally, the world saw the dawn of American economic leadership that continues to develop. this day. The years 1940-1949, when the current American position began to form during and after World War II and the start of the Cold War, were the most influential on the contemporary United States..