1. 714 – 719 Analyze editorial cartoons about the post-war period.
Describe conditions in the United
States in the post-WWII era.

2. The Great Boom (Post-WWII)
Analyzing Political Cartoons:
Time and place
Symbolism
Background knowledge
What does this cartoon
suggest about the post-
war world?
- The use of atomic
weapons might lead
to an uncertain
future…

3. The Great Boom (Post-WWII)
Directions:
Each group will have approximately seconds to discuss and analyze the cartoon.
Write down and label your analysis in your notebook:
Cartoon # ___:
Meaning: (What Issue is described?)_______
Symbolism: __(Explain 2 examples used)______
Pass your group’s cartoon clockwise to your neighboring group.

10. Mail man
Mail man
“I’m Mrs. Ed Barnes, where do I live?”

11. The Great Boom (Post-WWII)
Changes/Issues Facing Post-War America:
Shortages of everything from groceries to cars to housing which caused a fear of inflation in the economy.
Concern over the developing Cold War due to the Soviet Union imposing Communist regimes in Europe while the U.S. protected democratic style governments.
The U.S. began to act as international police officer as protector of democracies in the world rather than be isolationist.
Cold war also created the need for defense spending which stimulated the economy.
Left wing, radical ideas grew taboo and unacceptable as well due to the threat of the Cold War (Communism).
Racial discrimination continued.
Labor strikes erupted.

12. Solutions: 1. Economic Policy: The Employment Act of 1946:
It defined economic growth and high employment as national goals.
Created the “Council of Economic Advisors” to assist the president.

13. 2. The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 to reduce strikes.
- UMW John L. Lewis opposed it, Truman tried to veto it, but failed.
- Attack by big business on unions:
- blocked the “closed shop”
- prevented boycotts
- unions had to swear there were
no communist members
- “cooling off” period imposed
before a union could strike

14. Solutions: 3. The G.I. Bill Serviceman’s Readjustment Act (1944)
Guaranteed Loans to veterans
to purchase homes as part of
the V.A. mortgage program.
Paid tuition, books, stipends
for veterans to attend college.

15. Levittown - William Levitt built development
in 1947 using “mass production”
techniques which provided
affordable, low cost housing.
- Long Island, New York
- Basic house was 800 sq. ft.,
two bedrooms, living room, bath
and kitchen. (unfinished attic)

17. Results of the Housing Boom?
Home ownership soared
Housing starts peaked at two million (1950)
By 1950, 55% of Americans owned a home
Problems
Isolated women and children in suburbs and
African-Americans were excluded.
“redlining”- refusal of banks/insurance
companies to give loans/insure
properties in urban areas.
“white flight”- white collar workers leaving.

20. 5. Steps Towards Civil Rights
Solutions:
5. Steps Towards Civil Rights
“Committee on Civil Rights” (1946)
The Justice Department began to support anti- segregation lawsuits filed by the NAACP.
“Equality of Treatment” Order to military (1948)
The public began to support desegregation in professional sports.
1947 Report on Civil Rights

21. Jesse Owen
Joe Lewis
Jackie Robinson

22. 6. Consumer and Baby Boom Marriage rates increased. The “Baby Boom”.
Early 1940s =
average 2.9 mil. births
Late 1940s =
average 3.5 mil. births

23. Newspaper editorial
Magazine advertisement
Marquette High School
policy/rule book

24. The Great Boom (Post-WWII)
Which do you think was the greatest problem and why?
Housing shortage and inflation.
2. Cold War and re-arming of weapons.
3. Racial discrimination
4. Labor union unrest/strikes