2. Sec. 2: 1950’s Prosperity Economic growth changed the social and cultural life of Americans.

3. Essential Question: What factors helped the economy grow during the 1950’s? Key Terms: productivity, standard of living, affluence, baby boom

4. A Booming Economy After a few years of adjustment, the economy began to grow rapidly and steadily. Amazing growth resulted from the burst of military spending during the Korean War. Government spending on housing, schools, welfare, highways, and veteran benefits also spurred the economic expansion.

5. New technology and new production methods resulted in greater productivity. International Business Machines or IBM was the leader in the computer business. The economic boom of the 1950’s raised the standard of living of millions of Americans. Between 1945 and 1960 personal income increased from $1,223 to $2,219

6. A Changing Nation During the 1950s the nations population rose from 150 million to 179 million. The nation’s soaring birthrate a baby boom. 75% of new home construction took place in suburbs, during the 1950s. William Levitt introduced mass-produced housing based on experience he had gained building houses for the navy.

7. Life in suburbs centered around the automobile. California became the drive-in capital of the nation. The first jet-powered commercial aircraft

8. A Consumer Society Consumers sought the latest and most popular products such as dishwashers, washing machines, TVs, and, stereos. Popular trends such as hula hoops, crew cuts for boys, poodle skirts for girls, and pizza.

10. American Culture Over 6.5 million television sets were produced annually during the 1950’s. Televisions became the main form for entertainment as well as an important source for news Religious leaders began using TV to spread their word.

11. TV shows The Mickey Mouse Club Howdy Doody American Bandstand I Love Lucy Leave it to Beaver Father Knows Best

12. Rock ‘n’ Roll A new form of music that gained popularity during the 1950s. Bill Haley and the Comets Chuck Berry Little Richard Elvis Presley ◦ King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

13. Listening to music helped form a bond between teenagers. The differing attitudes of the older and younger generations toward music, as well as other forms of popular culture, later came to be known as the generation gap.

14. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuBCvEic OYQ&feature=related – Elvis Presley “Hounddog” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuBCvEic OYQ&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_XXtu OvKcg&NR=1 –Elvis Presley “Don’t Be Cruel” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_XXtu OvKcg&NR=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN_Uqv cynYw – Coca Cola Commercial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN_Uqv cynYw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9DQnT 1Awig&playnext=1&list=PL2C05FB4402435 B8A –Mickey Mouse Club Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9DQnT 1Awig&playnext=1&list=PL2C05FB4402435 B8A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hhjjhYG QtY&feature=related –Barbie Commercial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hhjjhYG QtY&feature=related