the perfect storm how the 1950s made halloween in the united states
TRANSCRIPT
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The Perfect Storm
How the 1950s Made Halloween in the United States
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Halloween in America before WWII
• “Trick or Treat” was associated with crime and vandalism during the early 20th century
• Major urban centers would prepare for Halloween by bringing in extra police officers to deal with rowdy youth
• By the 1930s towns began to organize incentives in the form of free candy to keep kids under control for the holiday
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The Road to a Multi-billion Dollar Industry
• Three major factors influenced the growth of the Halloween industry in the 1950s
1. The post-World War II baby boom2. The growth of suburbs3. Advertising
• Once the holiday caught on it continued to grow through to the present
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The Post-World War II Baby Boom
• A population explosion occurred in the decades following World War II
• Many families enjoyed a boost in standard of living due to low unemployment, generous salaries, and technical innovations that allowed for lower commodity prices
• The large number of children born during the post-war years allowed for a market to emerge for family-oriented holidays
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The Post-World War II Baby Boom
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The Growth of Suburbs
• Wartime military vehicle factories converted their production to consumer automobiles
• Price of family automobile went down and demand increased
• Car ownership for the middle-class family became attainable during the post-war period
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The Growth of Suburbs
• Construction of highway systems allowed families to live further away from urban centers and still enjoy the economic benefits of the big city
• The suburb provided a safer environment for families to go “trick or treating”
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Advertising
• Innovations to mass media allowed commodity producers to more effectively reach consumers
• When candy companies uncovered the possible market for Halloween treats, they heavily advertised and promoted the holiday
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Discussion Questions
• What other factors do you think continue to influence Halloween?
• How has Halloween remained the same since the 1950s?
• How has it changed?• What will Halloween look like in the future?
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