1. Post- War Paranoia: An American Past Time 1945-Present

3. Fear = Loss of American Values will destroy our nation! COMMUNIST WILL TAKE US OVER! Other nations have the a-bomb! Blacks Want equal Rights! Women Aren’t Cooking dinner They’re @ Work! Teenagers! Are Out-of-control! Foreigners Are in Our Country!

4. How will post-war PARANOIA affect Dating & marriage?

5. America’s New Enemy? Independent Women!

6. War between the Sexes

7. Objectives: 1950s Bring back LAW & ORDER! Create safe environments for the children! Raise the children correctly…prevent WWIII BE THE BEST AMERICA EVER!

8. WOMEN! After the war what happened to us!? 1940s1950s

9. 1940s 1950s “I want to get A man… And keep a man”

10. 1940s 1950s

11. "The ideal modern woman married, cooked and cared for her family, kept herself busy by joining the local PTA and leading a troop of Campfire Girls. She entertained guests in her family's suburban house and worked out on the trampoline to keep her size 12 figure." - Life magazine, 1956

12. Women in the 1950s Traditional role of homemaker Postwar emphasis was on having babies and creating a family -Gov’t studies say eventually the Soviets will outnumber Americans = BABY BOOM!! “A good mother should stay home to take care of her children” “Set your sights on a happy home, a host of friends and a bright future through success in HIS job.”

15. "The ideal 1950s man was the provider, protector and the boss of the house" -Life magazine, 1955

16. In such a crazy world: where do good families go to live? The American Suburb

17. After the War = Soldiers used Government loans to move out of the chaotic cities. Did American paranoia build the suburbs?

18. Life in the Suburbs Mass production of simple and similar looking homes Move to the suburbs to avoid crime and congestion of city Viewed as a move up to a better life Affordable Suburbs = American dream in 1950s Own your own home Send your kids to good schools Live in a safe neighborhood Enjoy economic security

21. The 1950s

22. 1950s Mass Media’s Influence on Culture? Print media, films, and television shows re-enforced: –Gender Roles (how men act, how women act) –Proper American Values –Desirable Family Dynamic.

23. Gender Roles : “The Importance of Learning Home Economics”

25. Post-War Marriages Increased

26. Median Age of 1 st Marriage Date: -1890 -1910 -1920 -1950 -1980 -1995 -2000 Men: -26 -25 -22 -25 -27 -# of Single 30-34 yrs olds = tripled since 1970 Women: -22 -21 -20 -22 -25 -# of Single 30-34 yrs olds = tripled since 1970

27. Prevent Divorce: “Are you ready for marriage?”

28. Will I raise my Child The correct way?

29. Gender Roles: “The Importance of Learning Home Economics” American Values: “Mind your Manner” Family Values: “American Values 1949”

30. Beatnik: Mostly white artists who felt “beat down” by American culture. Looked for alternative lifestyles

31. Rock & Roll Beatnik Movement Teenage Delinquents

32. Father Knows Best 1950s

33. Middle Class Dad works, Mom at home Parents = very involved Kids = very respectful = whole house revolves around the children WHY is it like this? Reflecting the social pressures of the 1950s to be the ideal family Fight communism by being perfect Americans

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40. Word Bank -Too much fabric-Nazis -nostalgic-Martha Smith -Senator McCarthy-list - Rosie the Riveter-picture -communists-optimistic -jitterbug-propaganda -zoot-swing -Congressman Lloyd -ration -too much work-liberty