Unit 6, Section 10 50’s Life and Culture TYWL: Global interaction may be caused by conflict. / Forces of imperialism, nationalism, militarism and geo-political alliances, taken to the extreme, can lead to international conflicts. / Nationalism and the quest for power are often underlying causes for war. / Conflict occurs when compromise over land, national identity and colonial possessions is no longer an option between those in authority and those they serve. /

Question of the Day An economic change introduced in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin would include establishing free-market reforms boycotting Baltic Sea trade routes focusing on the production of consumer goods collectivizing agriculture

The Baby Boom and Suburbs Post WW2 to early 1960’s, population explosion – the Baby Boom Polio vaccine by Jonas Salk improves health Massive move to suburbs allowed by car culture More mobility but increased pollution, traffic jams, lack of public transportation Interstate Highway System connects nation

Popular Culture and Television By 1960, TV in 90% of American homes Shaped popular culture Portrayal of women and family life in traditional, conservative ways Few minorities seen, poverty not portrayed, idealized life Development of FCC to regulate broadcasts Movies and radio continue as popular mediums

TV stars like “I Love Lucy”, “Gunsmoke”, and “American Bandstand” ruled the 50’s airwaves

The Beat Movement Conformity and consumerism leads to backlash Subculture develops Beat Movement – Artists who express nonconformity in literature, art, poetry. “Beatniks” Jack Kerouac’s On the Road Opened door for 60’s counterculture movement

Rock and Roll Uniquely American form of music Evolves from earlier blues, jazz, gospel, and country Chuck Berry, Elvis Pressley, Little Richard, Buddy Holly – early, influential musicians

The Other America Not everyone benefitted equally from post-war boom Poverty effected ¼ of Americans Portrayed in Michael Harrington’s “The Other America” Inner cities particularly effected by “white flight” Urban renewal as attempted solution

The Other America Minorities effected by poverty Growing population of Mexican braceros working difficult agricultural jobs Native Americans hurt by lack of federal support based on termination policy Women’s role portrayed in popular culture as homemakers Many resent portrayal, desire different lives Beginnings of women’s liberation movement by early 60’s