Unit 5 in this six-unit series on Indiana history designed to be taught in Indiana secondary schools covers the depression years, World War II, and the postwar era. The dramatic changes that took place in Indiana during the depression years are highlighted in chapter 1. The manner in which the state's governor tried to alleviate the effects of the depression through his use of executive power is the focus of this chapter. Also his power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons is depicted through the story of the Indiana-born gangster, John Dillinger. The first topic of chapter 2 is the election of 1940. Hoosiers would not allow the Communist Party to be on the ballot in this election. Hoosiers were especially interested in this election due to the presidential candidacy of Wendell Willkie, a native Indianan. The effects of the mobilization for World War II on Indiana's citizens are analyzed. The postwar years from 1945-1960 are the subject of chapter 3. Local issues such as funds for highways, school reorganization, and right-to-work laws are examined. (SM)