the postwar boom workbook ahs history 188117

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AMERICAN HISTORY CHAPTER 19 WORKBOOK:

THE POST WAR BOOMS

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The Postwar Boom Section 1

Original content © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.

267 Guided Reading Workbook

Postwar America

READJUSTMENT AND RECOVERY (Pages 634–636) How did the end of World War II affect America?

After World War II, millions of returning veterans used the GI Bill of Rights to get an education and to buy homes. At first, there was a terrible housing shortage. Then developers such as William Levitt built thousands of inexpensive homes in the suburbs, small residential communities near the cities. Many veterans and their families moved in.

The United States changed from a wartime to a peacetime economy. After the war, many defense workers were laid off. Returning veterans added to unemployment. When wartime price controls ended, prices shot up. Congress eventually put back economic controls on wages, prices, and rents.

The economy began to improve on its own. There was a huge pent-up demand for consumer goods. People had been too poor to buy these goods during the Depression. Many items had not been available during the war. Now Americans bought cars and appliances and houses. The Cold War increased defense spending and employment. 1. What were three effects of the end of

World War II on American society?

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MEETING ECONOMIC CHALLENGES; SOCIAL UNREST PERSISTS (Pages 636–639) What were postwar problems?

President Harry S. Truman faced a number of problems immediately after the war. One was labor unrest. In 1946, a

Terms and Names Gl Bill of Rights Law that provided financial and educational benefits for World War II

veterans

suburb Residential town or community near a city

Harry S. Truman President after World War II Dixiecrat Southern Democrat who left the party

Fair Deal President Truman’s economic and social program

Before You Read In the last section, you read about the developments in the Cold War at home and abroad. In this section, you will read about the economic boom in the United States after World War II.

As You Read Use a time line to take notes on the key events in postwar America.

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Section 1, continued



steel-workers’ strike was followed by a coal miners’ strike. In addition, the railroad unions threatened to stop all rail traffic in the nation.

Truman was pro-labor. But he would not let strikes cripple the nation. He threatened to draft striking workers into the army and then order them back to work. The unions gave in.

During this time, before the economy turned around, many Americans were disgusted with shortages, rising inflation, and strikes. Voters became more conservative. In the 1946 election, conservative Republicans gained control of Congress.

After the war, there was racial violence in the South. African-American veterans demanded their rights as citizens. Truman met with African-American leaders. They asked for a federal anti-lynching law, an end to the poll tax, and a commission to prevent discrimination in hiring.

Truman put his career on the line for civil rights. But Congress would not pass any of his civil rights measures. Finally, Truman acted on his own. In 1948, he issued an executive order to desegregate the armed forces. He also ordered an end to discrimination in hiring government employees.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court said that African Americans could not be kept from living in certain neighborhoods. These acts marked the beginning of a federal commitment to deal with racial issues.

Truman was nominated for president in 1948. He insisted on a strong civil rights plank in the Democratic Party platform. This split the party. Many Southern Democrats left the Democratic Party. These Dixiecrats were against civil rights. They wanted to preserve the “Southern way of life.” They formed the States’ Rights Party. Some liberals left the

Democratic Party to form the Progressive Party.

It didn’t look like Truman could win. But he took his ideas to the people. He criticized the “do-nothing Congress.” Truman won a narrow victory. Democrats took control of Congress.

Truman tried to pass economic and social reforms. He called his program the Fair Deal. Health insurance and a crop-subsidy program for farmers were both defeated by Congress. But an increase in the minimum wage, extension of Social Security, and financial aid for cities passed.

2. What were some issues Truman fought for?

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REPUBLICANS TAKE THE MIDDLE ROAD (Pages 639–640) Why did Eisenhower win?

Truman did not run for reelection in 1952. The big issues of that campaign were (1) the stalemate in the Korean War, (2) anti-Communist hysteria and McCarthyism, (3) the growing power of the federal government, (4) strikes, and (5) inflation. Voters wanted a change. The Republicans nominated war hero General Dwight D. Eisenhower. He easily beat Democrat Adlai Stevenson.

Eisenhower was a low-key president with middle-of-the-road policies. He did have to deal with one controversial issue—civil rights. In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that public schools could not be segregated. Eisenhower believed that the federal government should not be involved in desegregation. But he upheld the law. When the governor of Arkansas tried to

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keep African-American students out of a white high school, Eisenhower sent federal troops to integrate the school.

The America of the mid-1950s was a place of “peace, progress, and prosperity.” Eisenhower won a landslide reelection in 1956.

3. What two important civil rights actions occurred during Eisenhower’s presidency?

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As you read this section, describe the solutions offered to deal with postwar problems.

1. Problem: Millions of veterans thrown out of work as they return to civilian life

Solution offered by the Truman administration and Congress

2. Problem: Severe housing shortage

Solution offered by developers such as William Levitt

Solutions offered by Congress under the Truman and Eisenhower administrations

3. Problem: Runaway inflation

Solution offered by the Truman administration and Congress

4. Problem: Labor strikes that threaten to cripple the nation

Solution offered by the Truman administration

5. Problem: Discrimination and racial violence

Solutions offered during the Truman administration

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The Postwar Boom

Section 2



The American Dream in the Fifties

THE ORGANIZATION AND THE ORGANIZATION MAN (Pages 641–643) What changes took place in the American workplace in the 1950s?

The economy grew rapidly in the

1950s. By 1956, more Americans were

white-collar workers in offices than were

in blue-collar factory jobs. White-collar

workers were paid better. They usually

worked in service industries, such as sales

and communications.

Businesses also expanded. They

formed conglomerates, or major

corporations that own smaller companies

in unrelated industries. Other businesses

expanded by franchising. A franchise is a

company that offers similar products or

services in many locations, such as fast-

food restaurants.

These large companies offered well-

paying, secure jobs to certain kinds of

workers. These workers were conformists,

or team players. They were “company

people” who would fit in and not rock the

boat. Businesses rewarded loyalty rather

than creativity. They promoted a

sameness, or standardization, of people as

well as products. Books such as The Organization Man and The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit criticized this

conformity.

Terms and Names conglomerate Major corporation that owns smaller companies in unrelated industries

franchise Company that offers similar products or services in many locations

baby boom Soaring birthrate from 1946 to 1964

Dr. Jonas Salk Developer of a vaccine to prevent polio

consumerism Excessive concern with buying material goods

planned obsolescence Purposely making products to become outdated or wear out

quickly

Before You Read In the last section, you read about the postwar boom in the United

States. In this section, you will read how many Americans achieved their

dreams of material comfort and prosperity, but some found the cost of

conformity too high.

As You Read Use a chart to take notes on specific goals that characterized the

American Dream for suburbanites of the 1950s.




1. What changes occurred in the American work force and workplace in the 1950s?

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THE SUBURBAN LIFESTYLE (Pages 643–645) What was life like in the 1950s?

Many Americans enjoyed the benefits of the booming economy. Many worked in cities but lived in suburbs. They had the American dream of a single-family home, good schools, and a safe neighborhood with people just like themselves.

There was an increase in births called the baby boom. It was caused by the reuniting of families after the war and growing prosperity. Medical advances also wiped out childhood diseases. Dr. Jonas Salk developed a vaccine to prevent polio. Polio had killed or crippled 58,000 children a year.

The baby boom created a need for more schools and products for children. Suburban family life revolved around children. Many parents depended on advice from a popular baby-care book by Dr. Benjamin Spock. He said it was important that mothers stay at home with their children. The role of homemaker and mother was also glorified in the media. But many women felt alone and bored at home.

By 1960, 40 percent of mothers worked outside the home. But their career opportunities usually were limited to “women’s fields.” These included secretarial work, nursing, and teaching. Even if women did the same work as men, they were paid less.

Americans had more leisure time. They spent time and money on leisure activities, such as sports. They also watched sports on

television and read books and magazines. Youth activities, such as Scouts and Little League, became popular too. 2. What was life like in the suburbs in

the 1950s?

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THE AUTOMOBILE CULTURE (Pages 646–647) Why were cars so important?

Easy credit for buying cars and cheap gasoline led to a boom in automobile ownership. In the 1950s, the number of American cars on the road grew from 40 to 60 million.

A car was a necessity in the suburbs. There was no public transportation. People needed to drive to their jobs in the cities. They also had to drive to shop and do errands. Therefore, more and better roads were also needed. In 1956, the United States began building a nationwide highway network. In turn, these roads allowed long-distance trucking. This led to a decline in the railroads.

Americans loved to drive. They went to drive-in restaurants and movies. They drove long distances on vacation. Motels and shopping malls were built to serve them. These new industries were good for the economy. But the increase in driving also caused problems. These included stressful traffic jams and air pollution. Many white people left the cities. Jobs and industries followed. This left mostly poor people in crowded inner cities. 3. How did cars change American life?

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CONSUMERISM UNBOUND (Pages 648–649) Why did Americans turn to consumerism in the 1950s?

By the mid-1950s, nearly 60 percent of Americans were in the middle class. They had the money to buy more and more products. They measured success by their consumerism, or the amount of material goods they bought.

American business flooded stores with new products. Consumers had money to spend and leisure time. They bought household appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, and recreational items such as television sets, barbecue grills, and swimming pools.

Manufacturers also tried a new marketing strategy called planned obsolescence. They purposely made

products to become outdated or to wear out quickly. Americans began to throw away items in order to buy “new models.” Easy credit, including the introduction of credit cards, encouraged people to buy. Private debt grew.

The 1950s were “the advertising age.” Ads were everywhere—even on the new medium of television. They tried to persuade Americans to buy things they didn’t need. They appealed to people’s desire for status and for a sense of belonging.

4. How was consumerism encouraged in the 1950s?

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As you read this section, write notes about how Americans were affected by various trends of the 1950s.

Trends Effects

1. Business expansion:

conglomerates and franchises

2. Suburban expansion: flight

from the cities

3. Population growth:

the baby boom

4. Dramatic increase in

leisure time

5. Dramatic increase in the

use of the automobile

6. The rise of consumerism

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Popular Culture

NEW ERA OF MASS MEDIA (Pages 652–655) What influence did TV have?

Mass media—the means of communication that reach large audiences—include radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. Television became the most important means of communication in the 1950s. It both showed and influenced popular culture of the time.

The number of homes with television jumped. It went from 9 percent of all homes in 1950 to 90 percent in 1960. At first, the number of television stations was limited by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is the government agency that regulates the communications industry. Soon, however,

TV stations spread across the country. Many shows became widely popular all over the nation.

The 1950s were the “golden age of television.” Comedy shows starring Milton Berle and Lucille Ball were popular. Edward R. Murrow introduced on-the-scene reporting and interviews. There were also westerns, sports events, and original dramas. At first, all shows were broadcast live.

Advertisers took advantage of this new medium, especially of its children’s shows. Young fans wanted to buy everything that was advertised on their favorite shows. TV magazines and TV dinners— frozen meals to heat and eat—became popular.

Terms and Names mass media Means of communication that reach large audiences

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Government agency that regulates the communications industry

beat movement Writers who made fun of the conformity and materialism of mainstream American society

rock ’n’ roll Form of popular music, characterized by heavy rhythms and simple melodies, that developed from rhythm and blues in the 1950s

jazz A style of music characterized by improvisation

Before You Read In the last section, you read about the American dream in the 1950s. In this section, you will read that popular culture in the 1950s reflected white, middle-class America, and a subculture challenged that conformity.

As You Read Use a chart to take notes on the popular culture idols of the 1950s and their contributions.




Television reflected the mainstream values of white suburban America. These values were secure jobs, material success, well-behaved children, and conformity. Critics objected to the stereotypes of women and minorities. Women were shown as happy, ideal mothers. African Americans and Latinos hardly appeared at all. In short, TV showed an idealized white America. It ignored poverty, diversity, and problems such as racism.

As dramas and comedies moved to TV, radio changed. It began to focus on news, weather, music, and local issues. The radio industry did well. Advertising increased and so did the number of stations.

The movie industry suffered from competition by television. The number of moviegoers dropped 50 percent. But Hollywood fought back. It responded by using color, stereophonic sound, and the wide screen to create spectacular movies. 1. Was the picture of America portrayed

on television accurate?

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A SUBCULTURE EMERGES (Page 655) What was the beat movement and rock ’n’ roll?

Television showed the suburban way of life. But two subcultures presented other points of view. One was the beat movement in literature. These writers made fun of the conformity and materialism of mainstream American society.

Their followers were called beatniks. They rebelled against consumerism and the suburban lifestyle. They did not hold steady jobs and lived inexpensively. They read their poetry in coffee houses. Their

art and poetry had a free, open form. Major works of the beat generation include Allen Ginsberg’s long poem Howl, Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s A Coney Island of the Mind. 2. How did the beat movement criticize

mainstream culture?

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AFRICAN AMERICANS AND ROCK ’N’ ROLL (Pages 655–657) What role did African-American artists play in the 1950s?

Some musicians also took a new direction. They added electronic instruments to the African-American music called rhythm and blues. The result was rock ’n’ roll. The new music had a strong beat. Its lyrics focused on the interests of teenagers, including alienation and unhappiness in love. And teenagers responded. They bought millions of records. The biggest star of all—the King of Rock ’n’ Roll—was Elvis Presley. He had 45 songs that sold more than one million copies.

Some adults criticized rock ’n’ roll. They said it would lead to teenage crime and immorality. But television and radio helped bring rock ’n’ roll into the mainstream.

Many of the great performers of the 1950s were African American. Nat “King” Cole, Lena Horne, Harry Belafonte, and Sidney Poitier were popular with white audiences. They led the way for later African-American stars. Jazz musicians like Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie also entertained audiences of both races. The most popular black performers were the

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early rock ’n’ roll stars, like Little Richard and Chuck Berry.

Television was slow to integrate. One of the first programs to do so was Dick Clark’s popular rock ’n’ roll show American Bandstand. In 1957, Bandstand showed both black couples and white couples on the dance floor.

Before integration reached radio audiences, there were stations that aimed specifically at African-American listeners.

They played the popular black artists of the day. They also served advertisers who wanted to reach black audiences.

3. How did African Americans influence the entertainment industry of the 1950s?

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As you read this section, take notes to answer questions about innovations and trends in 1950s popular culture.

1. Television

a. What are some of the most popular shows produced?

b. What kinds of subjects did television tend to present?

c. What kinds of subjects did it tend to avoid?

2. Radio

a. How did radio change to compete with television?

b. What role did it play in popularizing African-American culture?

3. Film

How did movies change to compete with television?

4. The beat

movement

a. Who were the most famous beat writers?

b. What were the movement’s chief characteristics?

5. Rock ’n’ roll

a. Who helped to popularize rock ’n’ roll?

b. What were rock’s chief characteristics?

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The Other America

THE URBAN POOR (Pages 660–661) What was the plight of the inner cities?

Prosperity reached many Americans

in the 1950s. But it did not reach all

Americans. In 1962, one out of every

four Americans was poor. Many of these

poor people were members of minority

groups.

In the 1950s, millions of middle-class

white people left the cities for the

suburbs. This was called “white flight.”

Meanwhile, many poor African Americans

moved from the rural South to Northern

cities. Businesses—and jobs—followed

whites out of the cities. Cities also lost the

taxes these people and businesses had

paid. City governments could no longer

afford to keep up the quality of schools,

public transportation, or other services.

The urban poor suffered as their

neighborhoods decayed.

Many suburban, middle-class

Americans could not believe that a

country as rich as the United States had

such poverty in its cities. However,

Michael Harrington’s 1962 book, The

Other America: Poverty in the United States, made many Americans aware of

the problem.

One way the government tried to

solve the problem of the inner cities was

called urban renewal. Minorities could

not afford the new homes that had been

built in the suburbs during the 1950s.

Also, minorities were not welcome in

the white suburbs. As a result, inner-city

neighborhoods became very

overcrowded.

Urban renewal was designed to tear

down decaying neighborhoods and build

low-cost housing. However, sometimes

highways and shopping centers were

built instead. The people who had lived

in the old slums ended up moving to

other slums—rather than into better

housing.

Terms and Names urban renewal Plan to tear down decaying neighborhoods and build low-cost housing

bracero Farm workers entering the United States from Mexico

termination policy Federal government decision to end federal responsibility for Native

American tribes

Before You Read In the last section, you read about mainstream American society in the

1950s. In this section, you will read about Americans who were not part

of the American mainstream.

As You Read Use a diagram to take notes on the problems faced by African

Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans in the 1950s.

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1. What were some reasons for the decay

of America’s inner cities?

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POVERTY LEADS TO ACTIVISM (Pages 662–663) How were Mexican Americans and Native Americans treated?

During World War II, there was a

shortage of laborers to harvest crops.

The federal government allowed

braceros, or hired hands, to enter the

United States from Mexico. They were

supposed to work on American farms

during the war, and then go back to

Mexico. However, when the war ended,

many braceros stayed illegally. Many

other Mexicans entered the United States

illegally to find jobs.

Mexican Americans suffered

prejudice and discrimination, too, even

though they were citizens. When

Mexican-American veterans came home

from the war, they wanted to be treated

fairly. They formed an organization to

protest injustices. Other groups worked

to help Mexican Americans register to

vote. Pressure from these groups forced

California to stop placing Mexican-

American children in segregated classes.

Mexican Americans began to have a

nationwide political voice.

Native Americans also struggled for

equal rights. This struggle was

complicated by federal involvement in

Native American affairs. At first, the

government had supported assimilation,

or absorbing Native Americans into

mainstream American culture. That

forced Native Americans to give up their

own culture. In 1934, the Indian

Reorganization Act changed that policy.

The government now wanted Native

Americans to have more control over

their own affairs.

In 1944, Native Americans formed an

organization to work for their civil rights

and for the right to keep their own

customs. After World War II, Native

Americans got less financial help from

the government. Outsiders grabbed tribal

lands for mining and development.

In 1953, the federal government

decided to end its responsibility for

Native American tribes. This

termination policy stopped federal

economic support. It also ended the

reservation system and distributed tribal

land among individual Native

Americans. One result of this policy was

that many acres of tribal lands were sold

to developers.

As part of the termination policy, the

Bureau of Indian Affairs also moved

thousands of Native Americans to the

cities. It helped them find jobs and

housing. This program was a failure.

Native Americans did not have the skills

to succeed in the cities. They were cut

off from medical care. And they suffered

job discrimination. The termination

policy was ended in 1963.

2. How did Mexican Americans and

Native Americans work for equal

rights after World War II?

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As you read about problems faced by the “other” America of the 1950s, note some causes of each problem, solutions that were offered, and some effects of those solutions. (Notice that two answers have been provided for you.)

Problem: Decaying Cities

1. Causes: Solution Offered: Urban renewal

2. Effects of solution:

Problem: Discrimination Against Mexican Americans

Causes: Prejudice against Hispanics; hard feelings toward braceros who stayed to work in the U.S. after World War II; illegal aliens escaping poor conditions in Mexico

3. Solutions offered:

Problem: Economic Hardship for Native Americans

4. Causes: 5. Solutions offered: 6. Effects of solutions:

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