1. The 1950s

2. Causes of the Boom GI Bill—Loans and education to veterans Savings from war years Economy converts back to consumer goods

3. Autoculture Life begins to revolve around cars – Suburbs – Drive in movies – Drive in restaurants – Interstate Highways Cars and gasoline are cheap

4. Suburbs Planned communities around cities Possible because of cars

5. Consumerism Buying material goods—began to equal success Planned obsolescence—goods wear out or become outdated in short period of time

6. Women’s Roles Role as homemaker and mother was glorified More women working, but options were limited Women not always happy in this role – Survey: 1/5 dissatisfied with their lives

7. Social Life Americans worked less and made more money Workers earned more vacation time Household appliances reduced time for household chores More free time for movies, t.v., sports, etc.