August 22, 2009: Glenn Altschuler / GI Bill, Then and Now

The GI Bill, Then and Now.Formally known as the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944, it was far from an obvious, straightforward piece of legislation, but resulted from tense political maneuvering and complex negotiations. Unlikely coalitions emerged to shape and pass the bill, bringing together both New Deal Democrats and conservatives who had vehemently opposed Roosevelt’s social-welfare agenda. For the first time in American history, returning soldiers were not only supported, but enabled to pursue success—a revolution in America’s policy towards its veterans.Once enacted, the G.I. Bill had far-reaching consequences. By providing job training, unemployment compensation, housing loans, and tuition assistance, it allowed millions of Americans to fulfill long-held dreams of social mobility, reshaping the national landscape. The huge influx of veterans and federal money transformed the modern university and the surge in single home ownership vastly expanded America’s suburbs.”Anyone who has doubts about what government ‘can do’ should read this book. It provides a detailed example of the successes that were achieved when government ‘did.’”–The American ChronicleJoin host Dale Throneberry and author Glenn Altschuler as they talk about the history and importance of the original GI Bill and the new Post 9/11 GI Bill.Learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill.