1950’S THE CULTURE OF CONFORMITY

Sema Muslu Cortnie Hanna

In the years following World War II, the United States enjoyed an unprecedented period of economic and political growth. Many middle class Americans moved to the suburbs, spurred by the availability of inexpensive, mass-produced homes. Elvis Presley led the emergence of rock and roll and television replaced radio as the dominant media outlet. Many artists and intellectuals had emigrated in the years during and after the war from Europe to the United States, bringing with them their own traditions and ideas.

Economy

BOOM!BOOM!

Historians used the word “boom” to describe a lot of things about 1950’s•Booming economy•Booming suburbs•Baby Boom

When WWII ended many Americans were eager to have children because the future felt promising

Pictures

In 1940 the average American woman got married when she was 22, but in 1956 the average American woman got married when she was only 20.

Jacqueline Bouvier married John F Kennedy on 12 September 1953

Cat-like type Eyewear was very popular in this era.

Grace Kelly in a Beautiful 1950’s wedding gown

Let’s talk about the $MONEY$

Many Americans at this time felt that they could give theirfamilies all the material thingsthey had done without.

Because the variety and availability of goods expanded with the economy and middle class people had more money to spend than ever, there were more things for people to spend their money on, causing the economy to flourish.

Labor unions were more generous and promised benefits to their workers.

FOOD1950:Jell-O Instant PuddingDunkin’ Donuts1952PezSugar Frosted FlakesKFC1953:Frozen T.V. Dinners

Fashion-MaleHairDucktail CutGreaseCrew cutHatsClothingBusiness-dark brown, black suitsCasual- Cardigan Sweaters

Fashion FemaleHairShort, soft, curlyUsed Curlers, Rollers and pinsNo Blow Dryers!“poodle Cut” was a favoriteClothingDressed- well groomed and tailored looks were prizedJeans were only worn in very casual circumstancesGloves were part of all proper attire

Nuclear Warfare

Rosenberg Trial-1951

• Ethel Julius Rosenberg prosecuted for

Leaking secrets of atomic bomb to Russia

• Executed on June 19, 1953.

Nuclear Ballistic Missile is Invented- 1956

The Hydrogen BombTest of first Hydrogen Bomb- 1956• Developed by Edward Teller• Mike ; weighed 82 tons• Over 800 times the power of the bomb that

leveledHiroshima• Leveled the island of Elugelab in the

Eniwetok Atoll, Pacific Ocean , and blew 80 million tons of radioactive Waste into the sky.

Politics

Presidents:Harry S. Truman (1945-1953)• Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945• Truman Doctrine• Fight against communism

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953- 1961)• Ended Korean War• Civil rights

McCarthtyism• Senator Joseph McCarthy accused the State

Department• Of having been infiltrated by communists• Blacklisted celebrities• Joseph Welch: “ Have you no sense of decency?”• Died in 1957, age 48

StatesAlaska and Hawaii become 49th and 50th states in 1959

Korean War- Overview

On June 25.1950, North Korea invadedUnited States occupied South Korea inHopes of thwarting America and democracy.

President Truman sought to give help to SouthKorea through the United Nations.

Victory by General Douglas McArthur when he Pushed the North Koreans back across the38th parallel(dividing line between countries)

Ended in 1953

Korean WarEntry

Reaction

• President Truman was under pressure for

Being too “soft” on Communism.

• The Truman Doctrine

Initiated to stop spread of communism;

If President Truman didn’t act against

In Korea, he would be going back on

His word and his beliefs.

Known as “ The Forgotten War” or “UnknownWar” because it followed WWII and was before the Vietnam War.

Changed America’s view of 3rd World countries• Before: Criticized countries trying to help• After: Full support of trying to help those less fortunate

Helped the civil rights movementFirst time America had fought with an integrated army

Civil Rights

• Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1952Removers racial and ethnic barriers to becoming a U.S. citizen

• May 17,1954- Brown v. Board of EducationDeclares segregation in public schools unconstitutional

Victory for NAACP attorney Thurgood Marshall, who would Later become the first black Supreme Court Justice

A tribute to Rosa Parks- 12/01/55

Civil Rights1957- Nine black students are blocked form enteringPreciously all-white Central High School in Little Rock,Arkansas by orders of Governor Orval Faubus.

• Federal Troops and national guard are sent by Eisenhower to intervene.• Group Became known as the “Little Rock Nine”

Cold War

• January 12, 1951- Federal Civil Defense Administration

is established.

• Response to Soviet’s first atomic explosion and Korean War

At first, only had small budget and limited power

• After 1958, spending was increased, and civil defense was made

a top priority.

• By October 25, 1962, there were over 112,000 fallout shelters

providing possible Protection for over 60 million U.S. citizens.

Cold War

March 1954- the KGB is established• Original name, CHEKA (Russian acronym meaning “All Russian Extraordinary Commission for Combating Counter-Revolution and Sabotage) Altered and changed until became the Committee of State Security), or the KGBFive main directorates• Intelligence in other nations• Counterintelligence and the secret police• The KGB military corps and the Border Guards• Suppression of internal resistance• Electronic espionage

Two Styles of Abstract Expressionism: “Action Painting & Color Field”

Jackson Pollock; is the most celebrated artist of this form.

Number 7 Jackson Pollock, 1951

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSjY4e7NqTo&feature=related

Number 30JacksonPollock,1950

The canvas was seen as an arena.Painting became;an irrational, instinctive and impulsive moment of existence.

Mahoning, Franz Kline, 1956

Woman and BicycleWillem de Kooning1952-53

The Color Field works consist of large colored areas; neither signs nor forms existed for the eye to latch up.

The color was used without any perspective device, producing a sensation of impressive size.

Untitled, Blue, GreenBrown, Rothko,1952

Orange and YellowRothko,1956

The Bay Frankenthaler

 Magic CarpetFrankenthaler

Pop Art (mid 1950s-present)Was a brash, young and fun art movement of the 1950s and 1960s Included different styles of painting and sculpture but all had a common interest in mass-media, mass-production and mass-culture.

Although Pop Art started in Britain, it is essentially an American movement.

Pop Art was a reaction against Abstract Expressionism.

 The art of Jasper and Robert Rauschenberg is seen as a bridge betweenAbstract Expressionism and Pop Art. Jasper

Johns Numbers in Color, 1958- 59

Richard, Hamilton 1956 collage Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing?

Encaustic- pigment mixed

with wax

Johns used generic objects such as an ordinary bulls-eye and the anonymous four faces to signify man as a modern-day target.

Three Flags Jasper Johns, 1958 

Target with Four Faces Jasper Johns Mixed Media, 1955

MUSIC

Frank Sinatra

Johnny Cash

Computer Sytems UNIVAC(Universal Automatic Computer)- 1951Cost in almost $ 1 millionUsed in government and exclusive commercialApplications (first was at the GE Appliance Park inLouisville, KY)

IBM 701 Computer-1953• First commercially available scientific computer• Commissioned by government for military

applicationsIn Korean War.Microchip(Integrated circuit) is developed- 1958• Robert Noyce (later founder of Intel Corp. and Jack

Kilby)

Satellites

Sputnik I-October 4, 1957• U.S.S.S.R.• First satellite ever• Unmanned• Followed by Sputnik 2 (November 3, 1957)And Sputnik 3 (May 15, 1958) and later missions in the 1960s

ExplorerI-1958• United States • Designed by California Institute of Technology

Advances in Medicine

• Pollio Vaccine-1952Jonas Salk

• DNA Structure-1953Francis Crick and James Watson

• The Pill (Oral Contraceptive) invented-1954

InventionsCopy Machine 1950Videotape-1952Frisbee-1957Pantyhose_1959Barbie Dolls-1959Liquid Paper-19561st diet soft drink-1952Lego Toy Invented-1958

InventionsThe First credit Card-1950

Super Glue-1951

The First barcode-1952

(US Patent #2,612,994)

Black Box invented(flight recorder)

-1953

Peace symbol created-1958

"Flash matic," first wireless TV remote.

-1955

General Electric introduces colored kitchen appliances.

Optic fiber invented

Transistor radio Created

FADs3-D MoviesChlorophyllHula HoopsPoodlesTelephone Booth “Cramming”Silly Putty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyqg2XcoeJw

Christian DiorResponsible for dramatically changing the style of the 1950s, Dior created the” new look”

Cristóbal BalenciagaThough finding glamour and drama as important as Dior, Balenciaga went in the opposite direction in his silhouettes, making them sleeker and broadening the shoulders and removing emphasis on the waist. This shape gave way to the sack dresses and tunics that became popular in the next decade.

Jaques FathFath had a less severe take on the “new look”, with softer hourglass curves and plunging necklines. His designs showed more skin than his contemporaries making him a favorite of the younger and more daring.

Pierre BalmainBalmain’s focused on femininity and elegance, creating the quintessential French style of the 1950s.

Charles JamesJames was most well known for his spectacular gowns, which were often copied for prom and evening wear, and featured intricate constructions and unique color combinations.

Jacques Fath • Born in 1937 • Laffittle France • Plunging necklines• Hourglass shape• Tiny waist & full skirts • Big Three• Died in 1957 of cancer

1914-1982

Where it all began before he was born.

1947 – Brought the launch of a Perfume, which was named using his telephone number: Elysees 64-83. The Artist, Rene Gruau gave his talent to this Perfume Advertisement. Some of the other popular perfumes were, Jolie Madame, Ivoire, and Eau d’Amazone

He studied Architecture at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, in Paris, however this avenue was not for him.

He spent his spare time designing dresses. He took some of them to Robert Piquet, who bought three. Then, in 1934 – Balmain worked for the Fashion Designer Edward Molyneux, staying there until 1939.

During 1939 he was called up for compulsory military service. After this he began with Lucien Lelong, staying during the German occupation of Paris. (where he worked with Christian Dior)Could this be the Citroen Car

belonging to Pierre Balmain?

Pierre Balmain opened his own Fashion House Maison Balmain in 1945,

Chr

istian

Dio

r’s

“New

Loo

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The girl on the ruins of Paris in 1945, dressed in Pierre Balmain, Vogue.

1952 – For Winter – Ultra Warm. Very original and practical. The material is a grey Tweed/Wool from Scotland with a knitted crushed pink lining. A beautiful Classic design. “Ultra-Chaud Ultra-original”

In 1951 ~ He opened branches in the U.S.A. selling ready-to-wear clothes

In addition to couture work, 1951-1972, he designed costumes for 16 films for the famous stars, such as Vivien Leigh and Mae West. His grand elegance was also in demand for the off-screen clothes of many Hollywood Stars.

He also designed for French films, including the famous film “God Created Woman”, which introduced Brigitte Bardot to the world.

Carroll Baker

Katharine Hepburn

Bridget Bardot

Mink trimmed sequined evening gown, 1952

Balmain was noted as “a Designer for the international set. “

His designs emphasized on impeccable construction and simple elegance. He is credited with popularizing the stole as an accessory.

1952 The ultimate Wedding Day sensation by Balmain.

This magnificent elegant Bouffant skirt remained a high fashion trend during the 1950s, mainly for evening dresses, combining a boned strapless top.

fall/winter 1953-1954, silk embroidered with metallic threads, pearls, sequins (Lesage embroidery)

Another glamorous Balmain stylish dress for this entrance. “The Red Carpet is down for her and her dog”!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJU85gkb_cU

Photo 1962 – A simply breathtaking long dress shown by a stunning model.

Photo 1962 – Roses are used to marvelous effect in this dress design

1962 An exquisite example of the huge diversity of Pierre Balmain’s designs. A smart tailored daywear design in a textured fine wool

Pierre Balmain is here with a model wearing his Midnight Bathing Suit with skirt.

Pierre and his models

Ginette Spanier, the directrise at a

Pierre Balmain shows an evening

gown from the Autumn / Winter 1953-

1954 collection to a commercial buyer

at a fashion show.

Beaded evening gowns 1966

Backstage at one of Pierre's fashion shows

1950Parisian designer Pierre Balmain is

shown with his assistant, looking at

book designs by Marcel Rochas

"Related Quotes." Pierre Balmain Famous Quote about Coat, Mink, Though, Trick, Wearing. Web. 29 May 2012. "Pierre Balmaingeneral Characteristics." Pierre Balmain Characteristics. Web. 29 May 2012 "Pierre Balmain - Voguepedia." Pierre Balmain - Voguepedia. Web. 29 May 2012. "THE FASHION DOLL REVIEW." : Focus On Fashion: Pierre Balmain. Web. 29 May 2012. "Pierre Balmain." Flickr. Yahoo! Web. 29 May 2012. "PIERRE BALMAIN." , Photo, Biography. Web. 29 May 2012. "Fashion Encyclopedia." Pierre Balmain. Web. 29 May 2012. "1914-1982 Pierre Balmain - Page 7 - the Fashion Spot." 1914-1982 Pierre Balmain - Page 7 - the Fashion Spot. Web. 29 May 2012 "LetMeFashion: |war and Peace Style of 1940s|." LetMeFashion: |war and Peace Style of 1940s|. Web. 29 May 2012. "The Innovative 50's." - Fifties. Web. 29 May 2012."1914-1982 Pierre Balmain - Page 7 - the Fashion Spot." 1914-1982 Pierre Balmain - Page 7 - the Fashion Spot. Web. 29 May 2012"LetMeFashion: |war and Peace Style of 1940s|." LetMeFashion: |war and Peace Style of 1940s|. Web. 29 May 2012."The Innovative 50's." - Fifties. Web. 29 May 2012.Torevalore05. "Fashion in the 1950's." YouTube. YouTube, 13 Jan. 2008. Web. 29 May 2012.Glamourdaze. "1950's Fashion - The Designers." YouTube. YouTube, 07 Oct. 2010. Web. 29 May 2012.Weirdopedia. "Frou Frou, Balmain Corsets and Artificial Fur." YouTube. YouTube, 24 Nov. 2010. Web. 29 May 2012.Ciuffetto22. "Jackson Pollock." YouTube. YouTube, 18 June 2008. Web. 29 May 2012."1950s Timeline." About.com 20th Century History. Web. 29 May 2012."Twentieth Century Art History." Twentieth Century Art History. Web. 29 May 2012."Color Blocks Color Field." Michellenmorgan.com. Web. 29 May 2012. "Pollock, Jackson." WebMuseum:. Web. 29 May 2012."Past Exhibition | Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art." Past Exhibition | Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art. Web. 29 May 2012."NGA | Mark Rothko | Classic Paintings 4." NGA | Mark Rothko | Classic Paintings 4. Web. 29 May 2012"Wildbrush's Art.to.day - Helen Frankenthaler." Wildbrush's Art.to.day - Helen Frankenthaler. Web. 29 May 2012."Provincetown House, 1940." About.com Art History. Web. 29 May 2012."K-punk." : K-PUNK, OR THE GLAMPUNK ART POP DISCONTINUUM. Web. 29 May 2012."Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." Jackson Pollock: Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) (57.92). Web. 29 May 2012."Bhsonlinebgroup4 - 1950." Bhsonlinebgroup4 - 1950. Web. 29 May 2012."Pop History - Inventions of the Fifties." Pop History - Inventions of the Fifties. Web. 29 May 2012.Kenney, Kim. "What Inventions Happened in the 1950s?" EHow. Demand Media, 16 Aug. 2010. Web. 29 May 2012."Dolby Goes 3-D." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 01 Aug. 2006. Web. 29 May 2012.

THE END

Questions

• What were the lasting affects of abstract expressionism?

• What is an historical event of the 1950?• What was the most important invention in

1950s?