Life in America in the 1950s

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

Notes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).