1. PostwarAmerica 1946-1960

2. GI BILL HELPS RETURNING VETS • To help returning servicemen ease back into civilian life, Congress passed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (GI Bill of Rights) • The act provided tuition as well home & business loans

3. Economic Reconversion • When wartime controls were removed, inflation soared, wages dropped, and strikes were frequent • In 1947, Congress passed the Taft Hartley Act which limited unions rights

4. The Civil Rights Movement Begins • Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball • Truman desegregated the military

5. Truman’s Fair Deal • Won a close re-election in 1948 • Truman raised the minimum wage and S.S. benefits & proposed federal health insurance

6. Dwight D. Eisenhower • WWII hero • Elected in 1952 • Conservative Republican

7. Interstate Highway Act 1956 • 41,000 miles of highway built • Encouraged the growth of suburbs and businesses away from city centers

8. 1950s Affluent Society • 60% of Americans were middle class • Higher standard of living led to a consumer culture

9. Popular Culture of the 50s • Television reached 90% of homes • Programs and ads created conservative stereotypes Father Knows Best

10. Subculture of the 50s • The beat movement poets challenged conformity • Rock n’ roll combined R&B with pop—appealed to teens Elvis Presley

11. Medical Breakthroughs • Dr. Jonas Salk developed a vaccine for polio

12. 50s Consumerism • Buying material goods was equated with success • Advertising on television, radio, and magazines

13. The Creation of Suburbia • 10 million homes built in the 50s • Emphasis on family life • The baby boom! • Epitomized the American Dream