Final answer:
Wars like the American Revolution and World War II led to lasting changes in American society, affecting economies, and social structures, and creating opportunities for some while exacerbating inequalities for others.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wars often bring significant changes to the everyday lives of people, and this was certainly the case for Americans during times of war. Both World War II and the American Revolution led to profound shifts in American society and culture. During the Revolution, the emotional and physical toll of war-affected all inhabitants. The economy struggled, men left for the battlefield, women managed farms and businesses, and slaves sought freedom. This combination of factors challenged the very idea of new-found independence.
After World War II, American society underwent further transformation. The war effort united Americans, ending the economic depression that began with the 1929 Stock Market Crash, and it led to social changes including increased opportunities for better employment, housing, and education for some. The war also deeply impacted the culture, fostering a collective mindset to support the collective good. However, not everyone benefitted equally; disparities in access to these post-war benefits often reinforced existing social inequities.
As for how lasting these changes were, the social and economic effects of wars proved enduring. The wars precipitated shifts in gender roles, and racial relations, and the transition of the U.S. to a more central role on the global stage. The impacts on equality for women and diverse groups of Americans were significant. Opportunities arose as a direct result of war efforts, though the extent of these changes varied.