Economic Growth of the 1950s

What is the gross national product (GNP)?

• The total output of all goods and services produced in a year

• Between 1945 and 1960 rose 250% in the U.S. from $200 billion to over $500 billion

Government Spending

• To prevent a postwar recession, gov’t funded schools, housing, veterans’ benefits, welfare, interstate highways, and military spending

• Economic growth peaked during the Korean War due to military production

• Unemployment was 5% or less• Inflation was 3% or less

The Rise of Suburbia

As you watch the first video, write down anything you think helps describe the post-war U.S.

This is video 1 of 2 on this topic

What was the baby boom?

• A period from 1945 to 1964 where the U.S. population grew by 27 percentmore than 65 million children were born– Peaked in 1957 with 4.3 million babies

• U.S. population1940 (132 million); 1950 (151 million); 1960 (179 million)– Population increase due to high birthrate and 2.5

million refugees from Europe

Baby Boom Baby BoomIt seems to me that every other young housewife I see is pregnant. -- British visitor to America, 1958

1957 1 baby born every 7 seconds

Why did the baby boom occur after WWII?

• Couples who waited to marry until after WWII and Korean War now started families

• Gov’t encouraged having children through the GI Bill loans for homes

• Advertising sang the praises of pregnancy and family

• Baby boom ended in 1972 with 203 million Americans

Dr. SpockDr. Spock• Dr. Benjamin Spock wrote

Common Sense Book of Baby and Childnurture children

• Parents wanted expert advice on parenting

• Parents spent more money on toys and goods for kids

Suburban LivingSuburban Living

$7,990 or $60/month with no down payment.

Levittown, L. I.: “The American Dream”

1949 William Levitt produced 150 houses per week.

Suburban Living:The New “American Dream”Suburban Living:The New “American Dream”

k 1 story high

k 12’x19’ living room

k 2 bedrooms

k tiled bathroom

k garage

k small backyard

k front lawn

By 1960 1/3 of the U. S. population in the suburbs.

Effects of the Baby Boom

• Examine the effect of the baby boom on the four following areas:– Family life– The economy– Education system– Popular culture of the U.S.

• Predict the impact of each in your notebook