The Best of Times-1821? 1961? Today?

EUROPE; UNITED States

The article offers information regarding the question of when was the best period to live in the U.S. It says that the earlier years prior to the American Civil War were among the best times to live in the country because nine out of 10 Americans lived on farms and were self-sufficient, though slavery existed during the time. It mentions that the early 1820s was a period of good feelings as the conflicts with Europe have ended and independence has endured its first tests. It relates that 1945-1946 can be considered as one of the best periods in the country as most Americans have been optimistic on the formation of the United Nations and on the nuclear monopoly of Russia and U.S. Moreover, social historian Daniel J. Boorstin thinks that contemporary period is always the best era to live.