The 1940s and their influence Most of World War II took place in the mid-1940s, which had a reflected outcome on the majority of countries and citizens in Europe and Asia. The consequences of the war lasted until the end of the decade. Europe split between the spheres of influence of the Soviet Union and the West from the start of the Cold War. The 1940s also witnessed the premature early stages of new technologies, including computers, nuclear power, and jet propulsion, often developed first in tandem with the war effort and then adapted and improved in the post-war. The 1940s are linked to the influence of contemporary America because it was the decade that changed so many things in life, not just government. In general, our world as we knew it has changed for better and for worse. The 1940s had the most influence on contemporary America because American culture and society changed a lot, especially the role of women, many families were greatly affected. The aspect of technology has been completely revolutionized. Over the course of the decade, wealth rebounded from despair; large companies have improved their imperfect public status; incomes and wages have reached new heights; and the original dominant sectors of the economy have become urbanized, particularly in the manufacturing of consumer goods and military equipment. American cinema and radio have changed dramatically since the 1940s and everything that followed. Theater became darker after the war and also brought propaganda to radio and cinema. Radio was the way Americans connected to the world because it offered on-the-spot information. Everyone listened to the radio mainly for news, but also for entertainment and music. There was no television back then so radio was the best... middle of paper ... everyone worked for the war effort, it was considered patriotic . The minimum wage was 43 cents an hour and people didn't even complain because they knew where the money was going and just wanted the war to be over. The national debt was 43 billion, which is very ironic. In conclusion, the 1940s had the most influence on contemporary America because this decade was marked by World War II. World War II alone changed so many things for people and changed the future of American lives. The movie It's a Wonderful Life was made in 1946 and touched so many people. The Trinity Test, the whole Manhattan Project, influenced contemporary America because it was brand new, people had never seen anything like it. The economy also had an influence because never has a war had so much impact in our country. Asking kids to donate their bikes to make weapons was never done, it was brand new..