Introduction to the author: The present text is a much condensed and adapted version of the preface to the book called Conflict and Consensus in Modern American History edited by Allen F.Davis and Harold D. Woodman,professors at Temple University and Purdue University respectively,who also wrote the introduction themselves. Introduction to the author: The present text is a much condensed and adapted version of the preface to the book called Conflict and Consensus in Modern American History edited by Allen F. Davis and Harold D. Woodman, professors at Temple University and Purdue University respectively, who also wrote the introduction themselves