Sec. 2: 1950’s Prosperity

Economic growth changed the social and

cultural life of Americans.

Essential Question: What factors helped the economy grow during the 1950’s?

Key Terms: productivity, standard of living, affluence, baby boom

A Booming EconomyAfter a few years of adjustment, the

economy began to grow rapidly and steadily.

Amazing growth resulted from the burst of military spending during the Korean War.

Government spending on housing, schools, welfare, highways, and veteran benefits also spurred the economic expansion.

New technology and new production methods resulted in greater productivity.

International Business Machines or IBM was the leader in the computer business.

The economic boom of the 1950’s raised the standard of living of millions of Americans.

Between 1945 and 1960 personal income increased from $1,223 to $2,219

A Changing NationDuring the 1950s the nations population

rose from 150 million to 179 million.The nation’s soaring birthrate a baby boom.

75% of new home construction took place in suburbs, during the 1950s.

William Levitt introduced mass-produced housing based on experience he had gained building houses for the navy.

Life in suburbs centered around the automobile.

California became the drive-in capital of the nation.

The first jet-powered commercial aircraft

A Consumer SocietyConsumers sought the latest and

most popular products such as dishwashers, washing machines, TVs, and, stereos.

Popular trends such as hula hoops, crew cuts for boys, poodle skirts for girls, and pizza.

American CultureOver 6.5 million television sets

were produced annually during the 1950’s.

Televisions became the main form for entertainment as well as an important source for news

Religious leaders began using TV to spread their word.

TV showsThe Mickey Mouse ClubHowdy DoodyAmerican BandstandI Love LucyLeave it to BeaverFather Knows Best

Rock ‘n’ RollA new form of music that gained

popularity during the 1950s. Bill Haley and the CometsChuck BerryLittle RichardElvis Presley

◦King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Listening to music helped form a bond between teenagers.

The differing attitudes of the older and younger generations toward music, as well as other forms of popular culture, later came to be known as the generation gap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuBCvEicOYQ&feature=related – Elvis Presley “Hounddog”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_XXtuOvKcg&NR=1 –Elvis Presley “Don’t Be Cruel”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN_UqvcynYw – Coca Cola Commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9DQnT1Awig&playnext=1&list=PL2C05FB4402435B8A –Mickey Mouse Club Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hhjjhYGQtY&feature=related –Barbie Commercial