1950s Domestic Policy and Social Changes

study history

Discretionary Income

Money spent on non-essential items.

GI Bill

Legislation aiding college attendance and home purchases.

The Fair Deal

Truman's initiative to extend New Deal policies.

William J. Levitt

Pioneer of mass-produced suburban housing.

Suburban Homes

Majority of new homes built in suburbs.

Suburban Criticism

Concerns over sameness and lack of privacy.

White Flight

Migration from cities to avoid minorities.

Service Sector

Jobs not involving product manufacturing.

Automobiles

Key to suburban development and lifestyle.

Suburban Migration Reasons

Escape crime, seek nature, desire larger lots.

Dixiecrat Party

Opposition to Truman's Civil Rights support.

Smith Act

Illegal to advocate overthrow of US government.

HUAC

Committee investigating disloyalty and Communist ties.

Taft-Hartley Act

Limited union rights gained during New Deal.

Joe McCarthy

Senator known for unfounded Communist accusations.

Baby Boom Causes

Post-WWII reunions, early marriages, medical advances.

Baby Boom Effect

Significant boost to the economy.

Television Criticism

Accused of promoting violence in the 1950s.

Dr. Benjamin Spock

Promoted parenting focused on nurturing and communication.

1950s Gender Roles

Women expected to manage household responsibilities.

Dwight Eisenhower

Defeated Stevenson in the 1952 presidential election.

Interstate Highway System

Initiated by Eisenhower to improve transportation.

Public Transportation Decline

Result of extensive highway construction.

Richard Nixon

Gained public trust through the Checkers Speech.

American Conformity

Widespread societal expectation in the 1950s.

Sunbelt Migration

Movement to warmer states for jobs and lifestyle.

Beatniks

Group opposing societal conformity in the 1950s.

Backyard Fallout Shelters

Constructed due to nuclear attack fears.

Dick Clark

Popular host of American Bandstand for teens.

Rosenberg Case

First espionage execution in U.S. history.

Alger Hiss

Convicted of perjury, boosting Nixon's profile.

The Other America

Harrington's focus on impoverished societal segments.