Society & Culture in the 1950s Chapters 31 & 32— PART 1 OF 2 Society & Culture in the 1950s

a. Describe the “baby boom” and its impact as shown by Levittown. SSUSH21— The student will explain economic growth and its impact on the United States from 1945 to 1970. a. Describe the “baby boom” and its impact as shown by Levittown. b. Describe the impact of television has had on the culture of the United States. c. Analyze the impact of technology on life in the United States. d. Describe the impact of competition with the Soviet Union.

The Nation Recovers From War An Economic Boom The Nation Recovers From War Main Idea: When World War II ended, Americans worried that the economy would fall back into depression, but ultimately there was economic growth. Truman Overcomes Huge Obstacles Main Idea: When Truman entered office he struggled with labor problems and southerners who wanted to avoid passing civil rights reforms, but he still managed to achieve reforms while in office.

Eisenhower Charts a Middle Path An Economic Boom Eisenhower Charts a Middle Path Main Idea: Politically, Eisenhower took the middle road as President and the United States had one of the most prosperous times in the twentieth century during his term. 4

The Nation Recovers from War Demobilization— The sending home of military personnel following the war and re-entry into non-military jobs. G.I. Bill of Rights— Granted veterans a variety of benefits such as unemployment insurance, college tuition, building of homes, and starting new businesses. Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 or G.I. Bill of Rights signed into law by FDR

Birthrate, 1940-1960 CHART

The Baby Boom “Baby Boom”— Soldiers returning home married and began having families. The boom lasted from 1946 to 1964. The population of the United States went from 130 million to 165 million between 1950 and 1955.

United States Economy Inflation (rising prices) caused by a rush to by post-war goods led to some painful times. Untouched by the devastation of WWII, the United States was the only nation at full industrial capacity. Worker productivity (that rate at which goods are produced) rose during the 1950s as new technology was developed. Government spending on the military boosted the economy and committed nearly 15% of GNP to defense.

Taft-Hartley Act of 1945 President Truman grappled with a Republican-controlled Congress. Taft-Hartley Act– Outlawed the closed shop (workplaces which can only union employees), and rolled-back some of the rights gained during the 1930s. Truman vetoed the act, but Congress overrode his veto.

Truman Overcomes Obstacles Truman refused to be passive with Southern segregationists and created an office on civil rights. Congress rejected recommendations to reform civil rights. Truman issued an executive order which desegregated the military.

Presidential Election of 1948 The Presidential Election of 1948 race consisted of four candidates. The Democratic Party nominated the incumbent Truman. The Republican Party nominated Thomas Dewey. The States’ Rights Party nominated Strom Thurmond. The Progressive Party nominated Henry Wallace. Although the polls showed that Dewey would win, Truman carried the race with 303 Electoral Votes (57%).

Presidential Election of 1948

The Presidential Election of 1948 GRAPH

Truman’s “Fair Deal” Fair Deal— Following the election, Truman developed a 21-point program which would strengthen existing “New Deal” programs and establish new programs. The Republican Congress opposed many Fair Deal programs.

Eisenhower’s Middle Path Dwight Eisenhower “Ike” defeated Adlai Stevenson in the Presidential Election of 1952. Eisenhower did not repeal existing New Deal programs (such as Social Security and the minimum wage) and continued a moderate political course. As president, he signed into law an act of Congress which created the Interstate Highway system. Spent federal money to improve education (especially in math and science).

Sec 2: A Society on the Move Americans Move to the Suburbs Main Idea: Millions of Americans moved to the suburbs, where new housing developments established ideal communities to raise families. Eisenhower Interstate Highway System Main Idea: Eisenhower authorized the funding of an interstate highway system, which helped to connect major cities, making the move to suburbs possible and increasing the travel industry Sec 2: A Society on the Move

Sec 2: A Society on the Move Migrating to the Sunbelt Main Idea: Western and Southern states saw a rise in population as Americans moved there for jobs and Latinos migrated there from Mexico and Cuba. The American Economy Changes Focus Main Idea: After World War II, Americans shifted from mostly industry jobs to service jobs. This trend also led to a rise in franchises and multinational corporations and a decline in trade unions. Sec 2: A Society on the Move 17

The Mood of the 1950s People have more free time to pursue entertainment and fun New books and rock and roll challenge values of the time After depression and war, Americans value prosperity and security THE 1950s Many young people stay in school, rather than leaving early and finding jobs Women are expected to work at home, raise family and help husband Many experience new found commitment to religious beliefs and practices

Postwar Changes

Americans Move to the Suburbs The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) provided low-interest loans to buyers. The GI Bill of Rights also provided low-interest loans for returning service men and women.

Americans Move to the Suburbs Developers such as William Levitt built affordable homes in Levittown. FHA provided low-interest loans and GI Bill provided low-interest loans for returning service men and women.