The period following World War II was marked by great social change as a result of the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and the youth opposition to the Vietnam War. The threat of nuclear annihilation and the cold war created a widespread sense of fear for many Americans, defining this as one of America's most tumultuous historical periods. Technological advancements, such as the home TV set and the microwave, transformed peoples' daily lives, while the growth of the defense and aerospace industries increased America's dominance as a 'super power' in the international sphere. Overall, this period set the stage for modern America as we know it.