Untitled Flashcards Set

The 38th parallel

The division in Korea that separated North and South Korea.

Soviet Union

The country that occupied North Korea after WWII.

United States

The country that occupied South Korea after WWII.

UN intervention

The Soviet Union did not vote against this because they were boycotting the United Nations.

Police action

The Korean War was labeled this because it was framed as a police action rather than an official war.

General Douglas MacArthur

He commanded the troops in South Korea during the Korean Conflict.

Korean Conflict

This term is used because the war was not officially declared war.

Forgotten War

The Korean War is sometimes referred to this because it received less attention over time.

G.I. Bill

Legislation that facilitated homeownership for veterans by providing low-cost mortgages.

Levittowns

Planned communities of mass-produced affordable homes created by the Levitt Company.

Suburbs

Many Americans moved here seeking affordable housing and to grow their families after WWII.

Women’s role in the 1950s

Women were expected to be homemakers, focusing on domestic duties and supporting their husbands.

White-collar jobs

Men shifted towards these types of jobs as the economy transitioned from industrial to service-oriented.

McDonald's

An example of both a franchise and a multinational corporation.

Advertising in the 1950s

Focused on visuals and catered to families with the rise of television as a medium.

Sputnik

The first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union, marking the beginning of the space age.

Television ownership

Increased from 9% in 1950 to 90% in 1960.

Rock n' Roll

A musical genre that encouraged teenagers in the 1950s to rebel against authority.

Executive Order 9981

An order declaring equality of treatment and opportunity in the armed services without regard to race.

Eisenhower's campaign slogan

“I Like Ike,” indicating his likability and leadership qualities.

G.I. Bill benefits

Provided veterans with funds for education, housing, and unemployment insurance.

Nuclear readiness drills

Students were taught to hide under desks and cover their faces during a nuclear attack.

Fallout

Radioactive dust and debris produced from a nuclear explosion.

Instructional videos

Produced by the US Government to provide guidance on surviving a nuclear attack.

Why was the birth rate higher in the late 40’s into the 50’s

The birth rate was higher due to post-war optimism, economic prosperity, and returning soldiers starting families after World War II.

Describe the advertising of the 1950’s? What methods were used? Who did advertising cater to? Why?

Advertising in the 1950s often used television commercials, print ads, and radio spots to reach consumers. It catered primarily to the emerging middle class, emphasizing family values, consumerism, and the idealized American lifestyle.

When did Eisenhower become president? How many terms did he serve?

Eisenhower became president in 1953 and served two terms until 1961.

 What was the G.I. Bill and why was it implemented? What concerns did the government feel they needed to address?

The G.I. Bill was a law enacted in 1944 to provide various benefits to returning World War II veterans, including education, housing assistance, and unemployment compensation. It aimed to ease the transition of veterans into civilian life and stimulate the post-war economy.

 If you were outside when a blast occurred, where would you go?

You should seek immediate shelter in a sturdy building or designated fallout shelter to protect yourself from potential radiation exposure and debris.

 What percentage of Americans owned a TV in 1950 versus 1960?

In 1950 only 9 percent of American households had a television set, but by 1960 the figure had reached 90 percent.

What was America’s reaction to the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik?

America responded with concern over the technological advancements of the Soviet Union, leading to increased investments in education, particularly in science and mathematics, and the establishment of NASA to enhance its space program.

What was unique about Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine?

It was the first effective vaccine that used an inactivated virus to immunize against poliomyelitis, significantly reducing polio cases.