1. Post-War Society
Chapter 17

2. Recovery from War Converting back to peacetime Demobilization
GI Bill of Rights helps soldiers get loans, go to college
Baby Boom increases population
Economy soars
Employment up
Higher incomes  more purchasing
Productivity up (technology boom)
Standard of Living up

3. Presidents (50’s) Harry Truman Dwight D. Eisenhower
Desegregates the military
Wins upset reelection in 1948
Fair Deal
Strengthen New Deal Programs and create new programs
Failed to win Congressional support
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Wins election in 1952
Very popular
Prosperous, peaceful presidency

4. Changes in Society Move to suburbs Car ownership increases Car culture
Interstate Highway Act
Migration to Sunbelt

5. Economic Changes Increase in white collar workers
Increased women in work force
Less Farming
Rise of franchise businesses and multination corporations

6. Educational Changes College enrollment up
High school graduation increases
Fed. Govt. provides $ for math and science
Education more accessible

7. Consumerism Americans buying more products Buying on credit Incomes up
Buying new household appliances

8. Family Life Nuclear family = ideal Defined gender roles
Children are the focus
Vaccines and antibiotics improve health

9. Entertainment TV is very popular
Reinforces stereotypes and expectations
Rock and Roll is most popular music
Roots in rhythm and blues and jazz
Popular among youth, older generation was critical

10. Rejecting 50’s Culture
Not all benefit from or appreciate the prosperity of the 1950’s
Lack of equal opportunities for minorities
Belief that quality of life had not improved
Some criticize conformity, lack of individualism, focus on materialism
Beatniks
Allen Ginsberg
Jack Keroac

11. Poverty and Injustice Rural and urban poverty
Middle class moves to suburbs
Cities hurt economically and politically
Urban renewal seeks to improve deterioration of cities
Many in rural areas live in poverty
Minorities experience unfair treatment and discrimination

12. Counterculture Challenges the values of mainstream society Rebellion
Hippies value peace, love, freedom of expression
Music encourages rejection of conventions
Sexual revolution against restrictions
“Sex, drugs, and rock & roll”