The Great 50’s Culture Quiz Where Conformity is King and Rebels Are Trouble

Class Objectives Understand the demographic trends that were present in the US in the 1950’s Understand how the society that formed in the 1950’s set the stage for the world you live in today Understand how the trends of the 1950’s set up the conflicts of the 1960’s in the US

Rules During this class you will be asked a series of questions related to the culture and norms of the 1950’s. You are to work on this with your partner to determine the answers to the questions posed. There will be various points associated with each question. The team that has the most points at the end of the quiz will win a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar. We will also be following the customs of schools in the 1950’s as well, and you can be docked points for behavior that is not appropriate during the quiz. I am the final arbiter of these rules and the points deducted for behavior.

Demographics Demographics: the statistical data of a population, especially those showing average age, income, education, etc. Source: dictionary.com

Question 1 What famous place was opened on July 17, 1955? 5 points for the correct answer. Answer: Disneyland YouTube - opening day disneyland

Question 2 Which used color on a regular basis first- television or movies? 5 points Answer: Movies

Question 3 List the top 5 grossing movies of the 1950’s. You get 2 points for each correct answer. Answer: Lady and the Tramp; Peter Pan; 10 Commandments; Ben Hur; Sleeping Beauty

Question 4 How many million babies were born in the 1950’s? This question is worth a maximum of 10 points. You get one point off for every million you are off in your response. Answer: 40.5 million

Question 5 What was the average age for marriage in the United States in 1950 for men and women? These ages are different and you get 4 points for each correct answer. Answer: Men 22 Women 20

Question 6 What was the percentage of the population in the United States 4 or younger in 1950? 6 points for the correct answer and you lose 1 point for each percentage point you are off in your answer. Answer: 11%

Question 7 What year did births peak in the United States at 4.3 million? 5 points for the correct answer. Answer: 1957

Question 8 What was the life expectancy for men and women in 1950? 5 points for each correct answer (one for men and one for women); deduct 1 point for each year you are off. Answer: Women 72 Men 66

Question 9 Name the only two books in the 1950’s that remained as Number 1 on the bestseller list for more than 1 year. 5 points for each correct answer. Answer: The Bible Kids Say the Darndest Things

Question 10 A New York Times reviewer said of him that he: “ injected movements of his tongue and indulged in wordless singing that were severely distasteful” and “Over stimulating the physical impulses of teenagers was a gross national disgrace.” Who is the reviewer talking about? 7 points YouTube - Elvis ao Vivo em Tupelo, 1955 Answer: Elvis

Question 11 He only appeared in three movies and was typecast as a rebel in each of them, but the nation was shocked and saddened by his premature death in an auto accident in September, 1955. Who was he, and what are the names of the three films he starred in? 3 points each for his name and for every film you correctly name. Answer: James Dean Giant; Rebel Without a Cause; East of Eden YouTube - james dean rebel without a cause

Question 12 Her first speaking role was in a Marx brothers movie entitled Love Happy. She is famous for her movie roles as well as singing Happy Birthday to President Kennedy. 3 points for her name, and 4 points for the names of any one of her three husbands. YouTube - Happy Birthday Mr. President Answer: Marilyn Monroe James Dougherty; Joe DiMaggio; Arthur Miller

Question 13 How many thousands of miles of roads were authorized to be built in 1956 in the first interstate highway system? 10 points for a correct answer, with 1 point deducted for every thousand miles you are off. Answer: 41,000

Question 14 Name the four major hotel chains that started in the 1950’s. 3 points for each correct answer. Answer: Holiday Inn; Howard Johnsons; Ramada; Marriot

Question 15 How much did the first McDonalds hamburger sell for? 8 points for the correct answer. Answer: 15 cents

Question 16 How much did the first McDonalds franchise sell for? 10 points for the correct answer. For every 10% off the correct answer, you lose 1 point. Answer: $1000

Question 17 Who is Margaret Sanger, and why is she known? 8 points Answer: Early research on birth control which led to the birth control pill.

Question 18 How many world championships did the New York Yankees win from 1950-1959. 5 points for the correct answer. Answer: 6 in 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, and 1958 YouTube - 1955 world series

Question 19 Name Jack Kerouac’s book for 6 points. Answer: On the Road

Question 20 Name the top selling women’s magazines of the 1950’s. 3 points for each correct answer. Answer: McCall’s; Ladies Home Journal; Redbook; Mademoiselle; Vogue

Question 21 This was the site of the first suburban housing development built. It is recognized as the first mass produced suburb. For 6 points name the location. Answer: Leavittown, NY (Long Island)

Question 22 Wide swing skirts for dancing were very popular in the 1950’s. What were they commonly adorned with, which led to their name? 8 points for the correct answer. Answer: Poodle Skirts

Question 23 Name the top ten “toys” of the 1950’s. You get 2 points for each correct answer. Answer: Barbie; Play-Doh; Frisbee; Tonka Trucks; Matchbox Cars; Yahtzee; Skateboards; Hula Hoop; Mr. Potato Head; Pez