The American Vision

"The GI Bill"

Introduction
Since the Revolutionary War, when American soldiers returned home, the federal government rewarded them for their service. For soldiers returning from World War II, the reward came in the form of the GI Bill of Rights. This one piece of legislation had long-lasting effects that reached far beyond any politician's expectations. Many historians believe that our modern society is a product of the changes that occurred after 8 million soldiers took advantage of the GI Bill's opportunities. The Newshour with Jim Lehrer television program gathered a panel of historians to consider the GI Bill's impact on education, suburban growth, small business, and the middle class. Follow this fascinating discussion at their Web site to find out why some believe that the GI Bill was a "magic carpet to the middle class."

Destination Title: Remembering the GI Bill

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Directions
Start at the Remembering the GI Bill Web site.

• You can link to a film or an audio clip of the program by clicking on the hyperlinks. You may also read the transcript that appears on the page.
• Click on "a discussion" link to follow a panel discussion about the GI Bill's impact on American society and the economy. The discussion is presented in film and audio links as well as print.
• Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.

1			What were the key benefits of the GI Bill?
2			What impact did the GI Bill have on colleges and universities?
3			What effect did the GI Bill have on the growth of suburbs?
4			What were the social effects of the GI Bill?
5			Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars received a scaled-back version of the original GI Bill, and today's recruits receive education and job training benefits as an incentive to join the military. On a separate sheet of paper, write a comparison of the postwar society and today's society. What has changed since the GI Bill went into effect? Why did the GI Bill make such an impact on World War II veterans' lifestyles? Would such a law make as great an impact today? What conditions would motivate the federal government to initiate such a bill?