Along with his sidekick Bucky, he would lead the U.S. forces to victory in Europe.
In comparison with contemporary comics and graphic novels, the publications and heroes of this period where of good, unwavering moral character with little or no internal conflict and a single-minded desire to do what is right. Similarly, the villains where written as one-dimensional characters in their desire to conquer the world. In contrast, publications after the 1960's featured characters concerned with moral ambiguity and a sense of duty that often came second to personal fears and desires, as well as a lack of trust by the public in individuals with extraordinary abilities, such as in the early career of Marvel's other major character, Spider-Man. Furthermore, villains where written as characters with more complex and reasonable motives. This second era began in the 1950's and was the origin of many of the most well known comic titles, including The Avengers and The Uncanny X-Men, the latter being a literary mirror to the racial struggles in the 1960's though it's portrayal of powerful mutants being discriminated against by normal humans.
Through the next few decades comic book plots continued to be a mirror of American culture, usually through a character that began as a social misfit or outcast, who's abilities where commonly granted by some accident with a creature or substance related to their abilities. The best stories often preserved the character's human flaws even after their transformations. In fact their new abilities bestow a greater responsibility upon the individual than any they had experienced before, making for gripping ethical and emotional dilemmas and unique plot opportunities for the writer.
One such creative opportunity for a superhuman character was applied to the Captain in a unique effort to directly contrast the differences of 1940's America with contemporary American culture.