1. 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. /

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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