Post War America

Truman and Eisenhower Return to a peacetime economy after the war caused problems: Rising demand  Inflation  Strikes GI Bill: boosted the economy by giving loans to veterans to help them start businesses, buy homes, and attend college

Truman Domestic Agenda Despite Democratic losses in 1946, Truman pursued an aggressive domestic agenda: Increase in minimum wage Expansion of social security Program to ensure full employment National health insurance Civil Rights bill

Truman With Congress dominated by Republicans and conservative Democrats, however, most of Truman’s proposals were defeated. Truman ran for re-election in 1948 Truman ran an aggressive campaign against the Republican Do-Nothing Congress and won a surprise victory.

Truman After his reelection, Truman proposed the Fair Deal, an extension of the New Deal, some of which Congress approved. In 1952, with the war in Korea dragging on, Truman decided not to run again.

Eisenhower Appointed several business leaders to Cabinet jobs and viewed business growth as vital to the nation. Cut taxes and some federal spending. Got the Federal Highway Act passed, which constructed the interstate highway system. Extended social security and unemployment, and increased minimum wage.

Eisenhower By the time Eisenhower ran for reelection in 1956, the nation had completed the transition from a wartime to a peacetime economy, and the 1950s were turning into an extremely prosperous decade

Other Side Not everyone was benefiting from the affluent society African Americans Discrimination Urban Renewal Programs Hispanic Americans Bracero program Poverty

Other Side Native Americans Appalachian region Termination Policy Poverty

The Affluent Society The economy was strong during the 1950s, and many Americans benefited. Income and home ownership rates rose dramatically. Number of white-collar jobs surpassed blue-collar jobs due to changes in production techniques and technology. Many worked for corporations, and conformed to expectations.

The Affluent Society With new disposable income, Americans bought more luxury items and appliances. This consumer spending was accompanied by a growth in advertising. Suburbs around cities grew, propelled by affordable, available housing; the GI Bill; and the belief among many Americans that a move to the suburbs meant a better life, the American dream.

The 1950’s family The Baby Boom: 1945-1961: more than 65 million children born in the U.S. Couples who had put off marriage and children during World War II and Korea got married, bought homes with GI Bill loans, and had children. Women’s role as homemaker was emphasized, but many women got jobs to help their families maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Technological Breakthroughs Transistors made small radios and calculators possible. The earliest computers built. Polio vaccine (Salk, Sabin), new drugs, new surgical techniques U.S. launched a satellite, and there were smoother and faster commercial jets available for travel. More leisure time available