1950s American Culture and Society

These flashcards cover key figures, events, and cultural trends from 1950s America based on the lecture notes.

Adlai Stevenson was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1952 against __.

Republican nominee Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Alan Freed is known for coining the term __ in 1951.

rock 'n' roll.

The poem "Howl" is authored by __, who was a prominent Beat Movement advocate.

Alan Ginsberg.

Dr. Benjamin Spock wrote "__" which encouraged parents to avoid physical punishment.

Baby and Child Care.

The doctor who developed the polio vaccine is __.

Dr. Jonas Salk.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president, was a staunch __.

anti-communist.

Elvis Presley, nicknamed the __, was a major figure in rock 'n' roll during the 1950s.

King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Harry Truman was the 33rd President after FDR and first enacted the policy of __.

Containment.

Jack Kerouac is known for his novel __, representing a search for authentic experiences.

On the Road.

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in __.

Major League Baseball.

Richard Nixon delivered the "__" speech in response to allegations of a slush fund.

Checkers.

William Levitt is known for creating __, America's first suburb.

Levittown.

The term __ refers to the period of increased birth rates following WWII.

Baby Boom.

Beatniks were followers of the __ expressing social nonconformity.

Beat Movement.

A __ involves a company offering similar products in many locations, commonly by fast food restaurants.

Franchise.

The G.I. Bill, passed in 1944, helped WW2 veterans with education and job placement through __ benefits.

unemployment.

Planned obsolescence is a marketing strategy that encourages purchases by making products __ quickly.

wear out.

Social conformity led American workers to become __, losing their individualism.

Organization Man.

Suburbs are small residential communities located __ cities.

surrounding.

White collar jobs are professional roles that do not involve __ labor.

manual.

The increase in automobile ownership influenced suburban growth by decreasing the need for __ transport.

public.

Television in the 1950s changed communication by introducing new forms of __ and entertainment.

entertainment.

Advertising trends during the 1950s emphasized new technology and __.

consumerism.

Teenage behavior in the 1950s was characterized by __ and rebellion against parental norms.

nonconformity.

Typical suburban living in the 1950s featured men working while women __.

stayed home and cared for children.

The middle class expanded in the 1950s, partly due to the opportunities provided by the __.

G.I. Bill of Rights.

Advertising techniques of the 1950s included bright colors and __ to attract consumers.

positive imagery.