Section 4 Chapter 13 Major Question, “Why were some groups of Americans dissatisfied with conditions in Postwar America?

What parts of 1950s culture did people reject? People disliked the conformity of the 1950s. Some felt people gave up individualism to fit in (example: The Man in The Gray Flannel Suit). This was the story of a WWII veteran who could not find meaning in life.

What parts of 1950s culture did people reject? The Catcher in the Rye attacked adult society. It labeled it as phony. The Feminine Mystique, by Betty Friedan, challenged traditional female roles, as homemakers.

Who were the Beatniks? A small group of artists and writers who accepted new ways of dressing and looking at life. The movement had poets like Allen Ginsburg and writers like Jack Kerouac.

What poor conditions existed in the 1950s? Slums and discrimination existed in the 1950s. Michael Harrington wrote The Other America. He claimed that 1/4th of Americans lived in poverty (50 Million). People of many different geographic areas were affected.

How did Cities Change After WWII? Many minority groups moved into cities. They wanted better life situations. Middle class families moved out of cities to suburbs. The tax base of cities was gone. The cities were hurt politically (loss of representation).

What attempts were made to make city conditions better? Crime increased in the inner city (older and central parts of cities). Government tried to use Urban Renewal projects to fix things. The projects don’t help and people are driven out.

How did rural people suffer? Rural areas had suffering poor. These areas included the Mississippi Delta, Appalachia, and other areas. Large farms, owned by corporations, destroyed business for smaller farmers.

How did minority groups face injustice in the U.S. ? Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Native Americans found themselves living in poor neighborhoods. Government did not help them much. Some Mexican Americans came to the U.S. as part of the Bracero program (migrant farm workers). The conditions of the program were tough.

How did Government policy change for Native Americans in the 1950s? The Federal Government created a termination policy. It would end tribal government and encourage Native American movement to cities. Some felt the policy was good (assimilation). Others felt it threatened a way of life.