How strong was the idea of a `Brave New World' in Australia at the end of the Second World War? Discuss in relation to social and economic policy and foreign policy.

The idea of a `brave new world' was a very strong idea at during the course and towards the end of the second world war. Even the precariously balanced UAP government, towards the end of its time in office, introduced ideas and reforms that went against its conservative ideals. According to Watts, though, this was purely to `secure greater political unity by pacifying Curtin and the Opposition'. It was though the Labor government under Curtin and the efforts of Chifley as head of the Joint Parlimentary Committee on Social Security and Minister for Post-War Reconstruction that many proposed changes came to fruition. The role of the individual cannot be overlooked in this topic as the increased powers...