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

2. 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

3. 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.

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

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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%

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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, 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. 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

21. 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.

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

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

24. 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

25. 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)

26. 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

27. 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