Life in America in the 1950s

Flashcards designed to help students understand key concepts and vocabulary related to life in America during the 1950s.

Baby Boom

The significant increase in birth rates in the United States after World War II, resulting in the largest generation in U.S. history.

Consumerism

A social and economic order that encourages the purchase of goods and services in ever-greater amounts.

Suburb

A residential area on the outskirts of a city, which grew rapidly in the 1950s due to desires for affordable housing and good schools.

GI Bill of Rights

Legislation providing benefits to returning World War II veterans, including low-interest loans for homes and tuition for education.

Automania

A period marked by a surge in car ownership and automobile-related culture in America during the 1950s.

Rock and Roll

A genre of popular music that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by a heavy use of rhythm and blues influences.

Teen Culture

A growing demographic in the 1950s that became an influential market as teenagers gained leisure time and spending money.

Beat Movement

A literary and artistic movement in the 1950s that rejected mainstream American values and challenged conformity.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group of people, often propagated by media and advertising in the 1950s.

White Flight

The trend of white Americans moving away from urban areas to suburbs, often resulting in racial segregation in cities.