How will post-war PARANOIA affect Dating & marriage?
Fear = Loss of American Values will destroy our nation! Other nations have the a-bomb! COMMUNIST WILL TAKE US OVER! Women Aren’t Cooking dinner They’re @ Work! Blacks Want equal Rights! Foreigners Are in Our Country! Teenagers! Are Out-of-control!
America’s New Enemy? Independent Women!
War between the Sexes V
BE THE BEST AMERICA EVER! Objectives: 1950s Bring back LAW & ORDER! Create safe environments for the children! Raise the children correctly…prevent WWIII BE THE BEST AMERICA EVER!
WOMEN! After the war what happened to us!?
1940s 1950s “I want to get a man… and keep a man”
1950s 1940s
"The ideal modern woman married, cooked and cared for her family, kept herself busy by joining the local PTA and leading a troop of Campfire Girls. She entertained guests in her family's suburban house and worked out on the trampoline to keep her size 12 figure." - Life magazine, 1956
Women in the 1950s “A good mother should stay home Traditional role of homemaker Postwar emphasis was on having babies and creating a family -Gov’t studies say eventually the Soviets will outnumber Americans = BABY BOOM!! “A good mother should stay home to take care of her children” “Set your sights on a happy home, a host of friends and a bright future through success in HIS job.”
"The ideal 1950s man was the provider, protector and the boss of the house" -Life magazine, 1955
In such a crazy world: where do good families go to live? The American Suburb
Did American paranoia build the suburbs? After the War = Soldiers used Government loans to move out of the chaotic cities.
House: $14,500 Average income: $3,216 Ford car: $1339-$2262 Philco model 1403 TV: $199 Admiral "home entertainment" TV system: $549.50 12" records: $4.85 10" records: $2.85 Milk: $.82 Gas: $.20 Bread $.14
Life in the Suburbs Mass production of simple and similar looking homes Move to the suburbs to avoid crime and congestion of city Viewed as a move up to a better life Affordable Suburbs = American dream in 1950s Own your own home Send your kids to good schools Live in a safe neighborhood Enjoy economic security
The 1950s
1950s Mass Media’s Influence on Culture? Print media, films, and television shows re-enforced: Gender Roles (how men act, how women act) Proper American Values Desirable Family Dynamic
Learning Home Economics” Gender Roles: “The Importance of Learning Home Economics”
Post-War Marriages Increased
Median Age of 1st Marriage Date: -1890 -1910 -1920 -1950 -1980 -1995 -2000 Men: 26 25 22 27 # of Single 30-34 yrs olds = tripled since 1970 Women: 22 21 20 25 # of Single 30-34 yrs olds = tripled since 1970
“Are you ready for marriage?” Prevent Divorce: “Are you ready for marriage?”
Father Knows Best 1950s
being perfect Americans Father Knows Best 1950s WHY is it like this? Reflecting the social pressures of the 1950s to be the ideal family Fight communism by being perfect Americans Middle Class Dad works, Mom at home Parents = very involved Kids = very respectful = whole house revolves around the children
Learning Home Economics” Gender Roles: “The Importance of Learning Home Economics” American Values: “Mind your Manners” Family Values: “American Values 1949”
Will I raise my Child The correct way?
Learning Home Economics” Gender Roles: “The Importance of Learning Home Economics” American Values: “Mind your Manners” Family Values: “American Values 1949”
The Beatniks & Rebels Beatnik: Mostly white artists who felt “beat down” by American culture. Looked for alternative lifestyles
Rock & Roll Beatnik Movement Teenage Delinquents
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Word Bank -Too much fabric -Nazis -nostalgic -Martha Smith -Senator McCarthy -list - Rosie the Riveter -picture -communists -optimistic -jitterbug -propaganda -zoot -swing -Congressman Lloyd -ration -too much work -liberty
Post- War Paranoia: An American Past Time 1945-Present