Mid-twentieth century or the 1950s was signified by increased affluence as a result of increased commercial production of goods, strengthening of the country's domestic and international political influence, and weakening of barriers among the social classes in American society. As a result of this affluence, US aimed to dominate international politics and economy. This agenda was accomplished through the Modernist Project, wherein modernism and capitalism were illustrated as the key towards achieving affluence. Thus, through the Modernist Project, US propagandized and influenced other countries by providing military support (e.g., Vietnam and Korean Wars) and economic support to Asian and Eastern European countries. Indeed, with the success of the US, many countries perceived that indeed, capitalism was the ideal politico-economic structure that countries must adopt during this period.

             However, despite these evidences of affluence, American society was plagued with both domestic and international concerns. Domestically, American society was experiencing social unrest as marginalized groups (such as the women, youth, and minorities, particularly African-Americans) fought for equality and freedom in a white American-dominated society. Moreover, US was also at the center of its imposed Cold War against Communist nations such as North Vietnam, North Korea, China, and the USSR. These countries' protest against the Modernist Project and capitalism was considered a threat to the security of the US, politically and economically. Thus, the affluent American society during the 1950s was also wrought with problems from groups and countries that sought to resist America's control over their society. .