1. Demographic Changes In the years following WWII

2. Desegregation of Armed Forces President Truman decides to end segregation of the Armed Forces and Civil Service through executive order rather than legislation – Executive Order 9981; establishes the President’s Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services This executive order committed the government to integrating the segregated military

3. GI Bill of Rights Measure provided educational and economic help to veterans. – The government paid for returning soldier’s schooling and provided them with a living allowance. – More than 7.8 million WWII veterans attended school under the GI Bill

4. Changes after WWII Baby Boom – During the 1950s, U.S. grew by almost 30 million people. – Increase in the birth rate following WWII the growth of suburbs Suburbs – Families left the crowded city apartments to move to a house in the suburbs. – To serve the suburbs, shopping centers, movie theaters, and restaurants sprouted up on what was once farm land – Sale of the automobile increased as well, it was essential to have in the suburbs because of the lack of public transportation.

5. Technology Air conditioning – Improve life in homes and automobiles Television – By 1960 9 out of 10 owned a television – Popular shows I Love Lucy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YGF5R9i53A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YGF5R9i53A Lassie The Lone Ranger Mickey Mouse Club

6. Television

7. Women’s Movement 1960s; Women were demanding for equal rights – Faced discrimination in male dominated jobs – Woman could lose their job if they became pregnant – Women who wanted to work at jobs outside their homes were seen as “unnatural” – Many were pressured to quit their jobs once married NOW; National Organization for Women – Help get women good jobs and equal pay for work. – ERA (equal rights act 1972) “equality of rights under law shall not be denied by the U.S. or any State on account of sex.” – Higher Education Act 1972 Protected women against discrimination Expanded women’s rights and opportunities in education, sports, and the workplace

8. Migration to the South Many migrants (mostly African Americans) were college educated, seeking: – economic opportunities in the rising southern economy – Escape from deteriorating Northern cities – Return to family members in the south – Care for family in the south – Retirement

9. Travel Increased travel for business and pleasure – Increased in ownership of cars – Leisure time – Disposable income/paid holidays – Technological advancements Interstate Highway System Jet aircraft (1970s)

10. Information Greater access to information – Accessibility to news Television Newspapers Radio Eventually the internet (1990s) – Cheaper and more convenient means of communication