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The Postwar Boom Many Americans enjoy new material comforts and new forms of entertainment during the post-war economic boom. Yet racial gaps remain, and.

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Presentation on theme: "The Postwar Boom Many Americans enjoy new material comforts and new forms of entertainment during the post-war economic boom. Yet racial gaps remain, and."— Presentation transcript:

1 The Postwar Boom Many Americans enjoy new material comforts and new forms of entertainment during the post-war economic boom. Yet racial gaps remain, and millions continue to live in poverty. A portion of Levittown, a mass-produced suburb on Long Island, New York, 25 miles east of Manhattan (1948). NEXT

2 The Postwar Boom SECTION 1 Postwar America SECTION 2
The American Dream in the Fifties Popular Culture The Other America NEXT

3 Postwar America Section 1
The Truman and Eisenhower administrations lead the nation to make social, economic, and political adjustments following World War II. NEXT

4 Photo Analysis 1

5 Photo Analysis 2

6 Survey Your group: Should Americans who served in the military get free medical care for life after they served? Do we owe veterans special thanks in the form of benefits and praise just because they choose to volunteer for 4 years of potentially dangerous military service protecting our nation? Survey Your group: Should Americans who served in the military get free medical care for life after they serve? Do we owe veterans special thanks in the form of benefits and praise just because they choose to volunteer for 4 years of tough military service protceting our nation?

7 Postwar America Readjustment and Recovery The Impact of the GI Bill
1 SECTION Postwar America Readjustment and Recovery The Impact of the GI Bill 1944 GI Bill of Rights eases veterans’ return to civilian life Pays partial tuition, unemployment benefits; provides loans Housing Crisis 10 million returning veterans face housing shortage Developers use assembly-line methods to mass-produce houses Build suburbs—small residential communities around cities. Homes built very quickly, close together, often with similar design and conformity. Continued . . . NEXT

8 Similarities and Differences 1950s vs Present day?

9 Economic Readjustment
1 SECTION continued Readjustment and Recovery Redefining the Family Tensions from changed gender roles during war increase divorce rate; (women used to working outside home!) Economic Readjustment Over 1 million defense workers laid off; wages drop for many workers Price controls end; 25% increase in cost of scarce consumer goods Congress reestablishes price, wage, rent controls Remarkable Recovery People have savings, service pay, war bonds; buy goods long missed Cold War keeps defense spending up; foreign aid creates markets Chart NEXT

10 Meeting Economic Challenges
1 SECTION Meeting Economic Challenges President Truman’s Inheritance • Harry S. Truman can make difficult decisions, take responsibility. “the buck stops here” Truman Faces Strikes 1946, higher prices, lower wages lead 4.5 million to strike Truman seizes mines, threatens to take over railroads Threatens to draft workers; unions give in “Had Enough?” Republicans win Senate, House; ignore Truman’s domestic policy Congress passes Taft-Hartley Act, overturns many union rights NEXT

11 Social Unrest Persists
1 SECTION Social Unrest Persists Truman Supports Civil Rights African Americans, especially veterans, demand rights as citizens Congress rejects civil rights laws; Truman issues executive orders: - integrates armed forces; ends discrimination in government hiring The 1948 Election Southern Democrats—Dixiecrats—protest civil rights, form own party (divide dems strength in elections) Truman calls special session; asks Congress for social legislation Congress refuses; Truman goes on “whistlestop campaign” Image Continued . . . NEXT

12 Stunning Upset The Fair Deal 1
SECTION continued Social Unrest Persists Stunning Upset Truman defeats Thomas E. Dewey in close political upset Democrats regain control of Congress, lose some Southern states Map The Fair Deal Truman’s Fair Deal is ambitious economic program, includes: - higher minimum wage, flood control projects, low-income housing Congress passes parts of Fair Deal Continued . . . NEXT

13 Republicans Take the Middle Road
1 SECTION Republicans Take the Middle Road I Like Ike! Truman’s approval rating drops over Korean War, McCarthyism - decides not to run for reelection Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower runs against IL governor Adlai Stevenson Newspapers accuse VP candidate Richard M. Nixon of corruption - defends self in televised “Checkers speech” Eisenhower wins; Republicans narrowly take Congress Image Continued . . . NEXT

14 Nixon as VP candidate gives checkers Speech: watch video and predict if this type of speech would work today…. Also recall: what spy trial was Nixon famous for as a new Congressman?

15 Walking the Middle of the Road
1 SECTION continued Republicans Take the Middle Road Walking the Middle of the Road Eisenhower conservative about money, liberal on social issues Ike tries to avoid civil rights movement, which is gaining strength On economy, works for balanced budget, tax cut Pushes social legislation, new Dept. of Health, Education, Welfare Popularity soars; is reelected in 1956 NEXT

16 Now in groups of three or 2, create web of “Post War America features and add in 8 OR MORE details from this section that your group feels will be asked on the quiz. Link them together in related issues…example: Truman elected…Fair Deal ect… Now in groups of three or 2, create web of “Post War America features and add in 8 OR MORE details from this section that your group feels will be asked on the quiz.

17 The American Dream in the Fifties
Section 2 The American Dream in the Fifties During the 1950s, the economy booms, and many Americans enjoy material comfort. Warm uP: Predict: what are parts of the American Dream of today? What do you hope o have as an adult? NEXT

18 Picture Analysis:

19 The American Dream in the Fifties
2 SECTION The American Dream in the Fifties The Organization and the Organization Man Employment in the U.S. By 1956, majority of Americans not in blue-collar (industrial) jobs More in higher-paying, white-collar (office, professional) positions Many in services, like sales, advertising, insurance, communications Conglomerates • Conglomerates—corporation that owns smaller, unrelated companies examples are: • Diversify to protect from downturns in individual industries Continued . . . NEXT

20 Franchises Social Conformity 2
SECTION continued The Organization and the Organization Man Franchises • Franchise—company offers similar products, services in many places - also the right to use company name and system • Fast-food restaurants among first, most successful franchises Social Conformity Many employees with well-paid, secure jobs lose individuality Personality tests see if job candidates fit in company culture Companies reward teamwork, loyalty, encourage conformity NEXT

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22 The Suburban Lifestyle
2 SECTION The Suburban Lifestyle The Baby Boom 1950s, 85% of new homes built in suburbs 1945–1965 baby boom—soaring birth rate after soldiers return Chart Advances in Medicine and Childcare • New drugs fight, prevent childhood diseases • Dr. Jonas Salk develops vaccine for poliomyelitis • Pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock writes popular guide for parents • Baby boom impacts economy, educational system Continued . . . NEXT

23 Women’s Roles Leisure in the Fifties 2
SECTION continued The Suburban Lifestyle Women’s Roles Magazines, TV, movies glorify role of homemaker, mother Over 1/5 of suburban wives dissatisfied with their lives 1960, 40% mothers work; limited opportunities, less pay than men Leisure in the Fifties Shorter work week, paid vacation, labor-saving devices free up time People have time for recreational activities, spectator sports Book, magazine, comic book sales climb rapidly Image NEXT

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25 Photo Analysis: Similarities and Differences to today?

26 The Automobile Culture
2 SECTION The Automobile Culture Automania Cheap, plentiful gas, easy credit, advertising increase car sales No public transit in suburbs; cars necessary: How would this fact effect who mostly lives in suburbs? The Interstate Highway System Local, state roads link cities, suburbs to schools, shops, work Interstate Highway Act—nationwide highway network unites country ( under Eisenhower for civil defense!) Highways enable long-haul trucking, new towns, family vacations Towns near highways prosper; those near older, smaller roads decline Chart Continued . . . NEXT

27 Mobility Takes Its Toll
2 SECTION continued The Automobile Culture Mobility Takes Its Toll Auto boom stimulates new businesses— e.g. drive-in movies Cars create social, environmental problems— e.g. accidents, pollution Upper-, middle-class whites leave cities; jobs, businesses AND TAX REVENUE follow Economic gulf widens between suburban and urban - also widens gap between middle class and the poor NEXT

28 Consumerism Unbound New Products Planned Obsolescence 2
SECTION Consumerism Unbound New Products • 60% of Americans in middle class; twice as many as before WW II • Consumerism (buying material goods) equated with success • Numerous new products appear on market in response to demand Planned Obsolescence • Planned obsolescence—making products that get outdated, wear out - makes consumers buy or want to buy new ones Continued . . . NEXT

29 1st Credit Card: Buy Now, Pay Later The Advertising Age 2
SECTION continued Consumerism Unbound Buy Now, Pay Later Credit purchases, credit cards, installments extend payment period Private debt grows; consumers confident of future prosperity The Advertising Age Most people have satisfied basic needs; ads encourage extra spending Psychological appeals in ads lure consumers to particular products Ads appear in all media; television emerges as powerful new tool Image NEXT

30 Watch Consumerism the music video…
Watch Consumerism the music video….then Survey your group: Is this a good or bad way to live or is it just how things are? Do you need half the stuff you buy?

31 Homework & Practice: Use the internet/and/or/the on line text Research Pop culture & then write a three paragraph report on what are the top 3 “fun” or most interesting popular culture items/activities or movies or sporting events of the 1950s (to you). What are 3 things you would enjoying seeing or doing if you lived in the 1950s? Explain each discovery in detail including the 5 ws. (WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE AND WHY)

32 Popular Culture Section 3
Mainstream Americans, as well as the nation’s subcultures, embrace new forms of entertainment during the 1950s. NEXT

33 Pre Questions/Advanced Organizers: 1. What is “Pop culture. ” 2
Pre Questions/Advanced Organizers: 1. What is “Pop culture?” 2. What are 4 to 6 things that Americans (or people around the WORLD) do for entertainment now? What are some popular fads/habits of today? Web it or write in paragraph form….be ready to share…. 3. EC: How are they similar or different from what Americans did in the 1950s?

34 Photo Analysis: Find 3 details and Predict what’s happening:

35 Popular Culture New Era of the Mass Media The Rise of Television 3
SECTION Popular Culture New Era of the Mass Media The Rise of Television • Mass media—means of communication that reach large audiences • TV first widely available 1948; in almost 90% of homes in 1960 • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates communications/CONTENT • By 1956, FCC allows 500 stations to broadcast • Programs: comedies, news, dramas, variety shows, children’s shows …such as….I Love Lucy…Honeymooners, Father Knows Best etc.. • Lifestyle changes: TV Guide is popular magazine; TV dinners Continued . . . NEXT

36 Video Clip: Honeymooners: Create detail list on cultural artifacts mentioned of the time period in your groups of three or less at your half tables… Also Look for stereotypes and roles portrayed by husband & wife…. Is this still how things are today?

37 Stereotypes and Gunslingers
3 SECTION continued New Era of the Mass Media Stereotypes and Gunslingers Women, minorities on TV are stereotypes; few blacks, Latinos Westerns glorify historical frontier conflicts Raise concerns about effect of violence on children Image Radio and Movies Television cuts into radio, movie markets Radio turns to local news, weather, music, community affairs Movies capitalize on size, color, sound advantages; They even try gimmicks by adding 3D picture, stereo sound, some even have “smell-o-vision” NEXT

38 Individually, Summarize the last slide in one sentence or CLEVER HEADLINE…capture the main points or “flavor” of the slide... You could make it like an advertisement!

39 3 SECTION A Subculture Emerges The Beat Movement • Beat movement—writers, artists express social, literary nonconformity • Poets, writers use free, open form; read works aloud in coffeehouses • Beatnik attitudes, way of life attract media attention, students Image Beat movement clip: detail lists in groups Appoint a writer and presenter and survey your group: would you want visit this type of place today? NEXT

40 African Americans and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Elvis: How is sim/dif to today? 3 SECTION African Americans and Rock ‘n’ Roll Rock ‘n’ Roll • Black musicians add electric instruments to blues—rhythm and blues • Rock ‘n’ roll—mix of rhythm and blues, country, pop • Has heavy rhythm, simple melodies, lyrics about teenage concerns • Music appeals to newly affluent teens who can buy records : add: Rock around the Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets: 1st song to top the Billboard Charts 1955 • Many adults concerned music will lead to delinquency, immorality…sex drugs truancy… 1. Each person quickly design a picture that could represent this slide…be prepared to share… 2.“Survey your group Do you believe this? Will listening to rock music lead to bad behavior?” Continued . . . NEXT

41 Rock n Roll: Similarities and Differences. Be prepared to circle them
Rock n Roll: Similarities and Differences? Be prepared to circle them! (Red vs Blue Teams!) 1950s Rock concert 2000s Rock Concert

42 3 SECTION continued African Americans and Rock ‘n’ Roll The Racial Gap African-American singers like Nat “King” Cole, Lena Horne popular ALSO: LITTLE RICHARD, (Richard Wayne Pettiman): Many black artists play jazz, music characterized by improvisation African-American shows mostly broadcast on black radio stations - content, advertising target black audiences Important to black audiences with fewer TV sets, no presence on TV Image NEXT

43 Also: Science Fiction of 1950s
Also: Science Fiction of 1950s becamee popular: Review: What modern movie features do these movies advertise?

44 Other 50s Sci-Fi concepts;

45 The Other America Section 4
Amidst the prosperity of the 1950s, millions of Americans live in poverty. NEXT

46 Photo analysis: Details in a list…Predict what’s this about?

47 The Other America The Urban Poor White Flight 4
SECTION The Other America The Urban Poor White Flight 1962, 25% of Americans below poverty level Post WW II–1960, 5 million blacks go from rural South to urban North White flight results in loss of businesses, tax payers to cities Cities can no longer afford to maintain or improve: - schools, public transportation, police and fire departments Continued . . . NEXT

48 The Inner Cities Urban Renewal 4
SECTION continued The Urban Poor The Inner Cities Poverty grows rapidly in decaying inner cities Poor economic conditions lead to illness and terrible conditions Urban Renewal • Urban renewal—replace rundown buildings with new low-income housing • Housing and Urban Development Dept. created to improve conditions • Not enough housing built for displaced people NEXT

49 Poverty Leads to Activism
4 SECTION Poverty Leads to Activism Mexicans Seek Employment Many Southwest Mexicans become U.S. citizens after Mexican War 1942–47, Mexican braceros, hired hands, allowed into U.S. to work After war, many remain illegally; many others enter to look for work The Longoria Incident Undertaker refuses funeral services to Felix Longoria, WW II veteran Outraged Mexican-American veterans organize G.I. Forum Unity League of CA registers voters, promotes responsive candidates Continued . . . NEXT

50 Native Americans Continue their Struggle
4 SECTION continued Poverty Leads to Activism Native Americans Continue their Struggle During Depression, U.S. policy of Native American autonomy National Congress of American Indians: civil rights, maintain customs U.S. stops family allotments, wages; outsiders take tribal lands The Termination Policy • Termination policy cuts economic support, gives land to individuals • Bureau of Indian Affairs helps resettlement in cities • Termination policy is a failure; abandoned in 1963 NEXT

51 Wrap Up: Summarize this section in one good paragraph or in a Series of Cartoons…

52 This is the end of the chapter presentation of lecture notes
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