Life in America in the 1950s

Essential Question: What was life like in America in the 1950s?

Notes

Economic Boom

• The end of WWII led to an era of wealth and spending in the 1950s.

  • The war stimulated the economy and helped end the Great Depression.

  • High wages, service pay for soldiers, and investments in war bonds resulted in increased disposable income for Americans.

  • This economic boom allowed Americans to enjoy the highest standard of living in the world.

Rise of Consumerism

• Consumerism returned as Americans had money and access to consumer goods, reminiscent of the 1920s.

  • A rush to buy new products such as cars, TVs, and hi-fi record players.

  • Introduction of credit cards in 1950 facilitated consumer spending.

  • Advertisements flourished through newspapers, radio, and newly emerging television commercials.

  • Franchises emerged, spreading uniform products across the country.

Baby Boom

• A post-war baby boom resulted in the largest generation in U.S. history.

  • By 1957, a baby was born every 7 seconds.

  • The influx of soldiers returning from war also contributed to increased marriages and higher birth rates.

• This surge in population created demand for new baby products, schools, and housing.

Suburban Expansion

• Suburbia experienced significant growth during the 1950s.

  • Suburbs offered peaceful living conditions, affordable homes, and good schools.

  • Most Americans worked in cities but sought suburban security.

• The GI Bill of Rights assisted returning soldiers with cheap loans for homes and education.

• The desire for suburban living led to the creation of large communities such as Levittown in NY, comprising:

  • 1 story homes, 12’x19’ living rooms, 2 bedrooms, garages, and small backyards.

Impact of the Interstate Highway Act

• The Interstate Highway Act of 1956 contributed to the expansion of 41,000 miles of expressway.

  • Growth of suburbs increased the need for cars and highways.

  • Easy credit and inexpensive gasoline enabled a car boom, with Americans purchasing cars in record numbers.

• "Automania" transformed American life, with drive-in theatres and restaurants becoming popular as cars led to greater mobility.

Television as a Cultural Force

• Television became a central form of entertainment in the 1950s.

  • Ownership rose dramatically from 9% in 1950 to 90% by 1960 (approximately 45 million households).

  • Television allowed businesses to advertise goods effectively, such as "TV dinners" by Swanson.

Music and Youth Culture

• The music scene evolved, with "Doo-wop" dominating the early 1950s.

  • Rock n' roll emerged, captivating youth—despite fears from parents about its rebellious connotations.

  • Black artists inspired rock n' roll, with Elvis Presley gaining fame among white audiences.

• Teenagers became an influential demographic, with significant spending power and targeted marketing from businesses.

Social Norms and Stereotypes

• Media in the 1950s reflected and reinforced gender roles and stereotypes:

  • The ideal man was seen as the provider and head of the household.

  • The ideal woman was depicted as primarily a housewife and mother, although almost 40% of mothers also held jobs.

• Conformity and traditional values were promoted, with a societal expectation of obedience and emotional control.

Counterculture and Dissent

• The "beat movement" arose, rejecting conformity through artistic and literary expression.

  • Beatniks, led by figures like Jack Kerouac, sought non-conformist lifestyles, foreshadowing the '60s hippie movement.

• Concurrently, significant strides occurred in civil rights:

  • Jackie Robinson integrated professional baseball in 1947.

  • The landmark case Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ruled in favor of integrating public schools.

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. emerged as a leading figure in the civil rights movement.

Conclusion: Life in Postwar America

• During the 1950s, America experienced various social, economic, and political changes characterized by:

  • Suburban growth due to the baby boom.

  • Economic prosperity under Eisenhower's presidency amidst Cold War anxieties.

  • A flourishing of entertainment and consumerism alongside deepening cultural divisions and civil rights challenges.

Closure Activity Suggestions

• Create a chart comparing America in the 1950s to today, noting similarities and differences.

• Sketch a fictional character from the 1950s and describe their sensory experiences, reflecting various aspects of life in that era.

Dates

• 1947: Jackie Robinson integrates professional baseball.

• 1950: Introduction of credit cards.

• 1954: Brown v. Board of Education landmark case that ruled in favor of integrating public schools.

• 1956: The Interstate Highway Act is passed, leading to the expansion of highways.

• 1957: A baby born every 7 seconds signifies the height of the baby boom.

• 1960: Ownership of televisions rises to 90% of households (approx. 45 million).