General Motors and the Rise of Consumerism in the 1950s

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to General Motors, Chevrolet, consumerism, and advertising during the 1950s.

Chevrolet

A brand and model of car produced by General Motors, recognized as a low-end automobile model.

V8 Engine

An engine configuration that features eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, providing increased power and performance.

Ed Cole

Chief Engineer of Chevrolet who innovative created the V8 engine and played a crucial role in revamping Chevy.

Maverick

A person who takes an independent stand apart from their associates, often in a non-conformist manner.

Consumerism

An economic and social order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.

Betty Furness

A prominent television spokesperson for Westinghouse, who became a symbol of consumer appliances in the 1950s.

Madison Avenue

A metonym for the advertising industry, especially the commercial advertising market in the United States.

Korean War

A conflict that took place from 1950-1953, impacting production practices at General Motors and leading to innovations in vehicle design.

Ford versus Chevrolet

A competitive rivalry in the automobile industry, marked by Ford's introduction of an eight-cylinder engine that challenged Chevrolet's dominance.

Motivational research

A field that studies consumer behavior by understanding the underlying psychological factors driving purchasing decisions.

Status quo

The existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues; Ed Cole's motto was to challenge it.

Luxury items

Non-essential goods that provide comfort and enjoyment but are not required for survival.