notes

The 1950s: An Era of Prosperity

• A significant increase in the middle class akin to the Industrial Revolution.

• Discussions about the migrations of middle class families during this era.

Baby Boom and Family Structure

• Marked by an increase in marriages and births, referred to as the baby boom.

• Family life depicted through media such as TV shows (e.g., "I Love Lucy" and "Leave it to Beaver").

• Rise of conformity in family structures, exemplified by the portrayal of traditional nuclear families.

Dwight D. Eisenhower's Presidency

• Eisenhower gained fame as a military leader in WWII, appealing to American values.

• Campaign slogan "I Like Ike" represented a message of reassurance and hope post-Cold War.

• A shift toward prosperity began after the Korean War ended in 1953.

Economic Consensus

• Post-war American self-image centered around security against fascism and communism.

• Economic principles tied to capitalism became the foundation of American prosperity.

• The consumerism culture gained prominence; economic freedom included spending and earning money.

The Impact of Television

• Television became a central part of American life, promoting consumerism and conformity.

• Shows depicted idealized family structures reinforcing gender roles and traditional values.

Suburban Expansion and Demographics

• The 1950s saw a dramatic shift from urban to suburban living.

  • Major cities like New York, Chicago, and Detroit experienced population declines.

• Suburban growth was facilitated by automobile industry expansion and highway construction.

  • The Interstate Highway Act allowed for construction of 41,000 miles of highways.

• Federal programs favored home ownership for white families while controlling opportunities for African Americans.

Social Inequality and Housing Discrimination

• Policies such as redlining restricted access to suburban home ownership for African Americans.

• A significant demographic divide was noted, with greatly reduced populations in urban areas.

Domestic Ideology and Gender Roles

• The typical suburban family structure involved traditional gender roles: men as breadwinners, women as homemakers.

• Women's roles marketed as vital to maintaining the household and consumerism.

• Contrastingly, the number of working women grew significantly, especially among married women needing additional income.

Civil Rights Movement: Landmark Events

• The Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954 which challenged segregation laws.

• Growing resistance to desegregation in the South, leading to confrontations and the formation of White Citizens Councils.

Eisenhower's Civil Rights Policies

• Eisenhower's administration initially reticent on civil rights enforcement but took measures in Washington, D.C.

• The Little Rock crisis in 1957 exemplified federal involvement when troops were sent to enforce school desegregation.

Cold War Context and Foreign Policy

• Eisenhower's approach to communism focused on balancing military budget against new threats in the developing world.

• The Eisenhower Doctrine expanded U.S. involvement in regions vulnerable to communism.

• CIA interventions in Iran and Guatemala demonstrated an aggressive foreign policy towards emerging nationalist movements.

The Suez Crisis and Global Challenges

• The Suez Canal crisis highlighted tensions between Western powers and emerging nationalists.

• The U.S. response marked a shift in foreign policy, emphasizing anti-imperialism and preventing Soviet expansion.

Conclusion

• The 1950s showcased a dynamic period of socio-economic change, marked by prosperity, social conformity, and emerging inequalities, setting the stage for future civil rights activism and global political developments.