Chapter 13: Postwar Confidence and Anxiety (1945–1960)
Summary
When World War II ended, Americans worried that the economy would fall back into depression, but ultimately there was economic growth. Eisenhower took a middle course as president and the United States had one of the most prosperous times in the twentieth century during his term.
Millions of Americans moved to the suburbs, where new housing developments established ideal communities to raise families. After World War II, Americans shifted from mostly industry jobs, to service jobs. New products in the marketplace and an increase in income led to a rise in consumer spending in the 1950s. During suburban growth, those in urban and rural areas, such as African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and Native Americans, suffered from overcrowding, crime, poverty, hardships in employment and other areas of life.
Chapter Outline
Section 1: An Economic Boom
The economy boomed as soldiers returned from the war, married, and started families. The GI Bill helped millions with home loans and education. Truman faced labor difficulties and addressed discrimination. Eisenhower presided over a time of prosperity.
Section 2: A Society on the Move
Americans moved to the suburbs. A “car culture” developed, leading to funding for the interstate highway system. The Sunbelt offered new jobs as the economy shifted focus to the service sector. Educational opportunities expanded, making college more accessible.
Section 3: Mass Culture and Family Life
Consumer spending soared as incomes rose and businesses offered payment plans and credit cards. A more traditional view of family life took hold. Television and rock-and-roll shaped the emerging national culture.
Section 4: Dissent and Discontent
Social critics rejected the conformity of middle-class suburban society. Cities declined as middle-class families moved to the suburbs, taking tax dollars and political clout with them. Urban and rural poverty threatened many. Minorities faced discrimination in housing and employment.
When World War II ended, Americans worried that the economy would fall back into depression, but ultimately there was economic growth. Eisenhower took a middle course as president and the United States had one of the most prosperous times in the twentieth century during his term.
Millions of Americans moved to the suburbs, where new housing developments established ideal communities to raise families. After World War II, Americans shifted from mostly industry jobs, to service jobs. New products in the marketplace and an increase in income led to a rise in consumer spending in the 1950s. During suburban growth, those in urban and rural areas, such as African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and Native Americans, suffered from overcrowding, crime, poverty, hardships in employment and other areas of life.
Chapter Outline
Section 1: An Economic Boom
The economy boomed as soldiers returned from the war, married, and started families. The GI Bill helped millions with home loans and education. Truman faced labor difficulties and addressed discrimination. Eisenhower presided over a time of prosperity.
Section 2: A Society on the Move
Americans moved to the suburbs. A “car culture” developed, leading to funding for the interstate highway system. The Sunbelt offered new jobs as the economy shifted focus to the service sector. Educational opportunities expanded, making college more accessible.
Section 3: Mass Culture and Family Life
Consumer spending soared as incomes rose and businesses offered payment plans and credit cards. A more traditional view of family life took hold. Television and rock-and-roll shaped the emerging national culture.
Section 4: Dissent and Discontent
Social critics rejected the conformity of middle-class suburban society. Cities declined as middle-class families moved to the suburbs, taking tax dollars and political clout with them. Urban and rural poverty threatened many. Minorities faced discrimination in housing and employment.