Postwar America 1946 1960 GI BILL HELPS RETURNING

Postwar America 1946 -1960

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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