Post WWII Society

Goal 10 Post WWII Society

Returning HomeGI Bill of RightsUp to 1 year of unemployment benefitsPaid college educationHousing shortagesWilliam Levitt begins suburban mass produced homes (Levittown)Mass produced suburbs popup all over USBaby BoomUS population dramatically increasesEconomic BoomAfter slight dip, economy boomsGNP doubles by 1960 (US Market Economy)US gains nickname Affluent Society

Trumans PresidencyEarly in office had trouble w/ unionsThreatens to draft striking workersTruman supports equal rights for African AmericansNo cooperation from CongressPasses executive order integrating militaryClose election in 1948Truman runs on an anti-Congress platformWins by slightest of margins (Dewey Defeats Truman)Becomes unpopular due to Korean WarDoes not run for re-election in 1952Dwight D. Eisenhower easily wins 1952 electionNixon was VP candidateCheckers speech

Society ChangesNew technologies (TVs, computers, nuclear power plants, etc.)

Jobs shift more towards white collarEmphasis on social conformity

Franchising becomes popular (ex McDonalds)

Automotive societyMore people live in suburbs; drive to workInterstate Highway Act (1956) 41,000 miles of roads createdConsumerismManufacturers begin planned obsolescence (US becomes known as throwaway society)Increased spending on creditAmericans bought cars, gadgets for their homes, vacations, etc. in unprecedented numbers

Values and BeliefsRenewed emphasis on religionBilly Graham begins crusadesCongress addresses godless communismAdds under God to Pledge of Allegiance (1954)Adds in God we trust to all US currency (1955)Conformity a major issue (dont want to be viewed as a possible communist)Some begin to rebelBeatniks group known for anti conformity1st hippiesOpen drug use & sexualityJack Kerouac - leader

Values continuedCult of Domesticity re-emerges A few advocated that science supported the idea that women could only find fulfillment as a homemaker. The concept of a womans place being in the home was widespread in magazines, TV, and society in general. TV shows: Father Knows Best, Ozzie & Harriet, Leave it to Beaver,