American Dream
Describe the U.S. economy after WWII.
Strong economic growth, higher wages, low unemployment.
How did automobiles change life in the 1950s?
Allowed suburban living and easier travel.
What does 'The Other America' refer to?
People left out of prosperity.
What did the GI Bill provide?
Education and housing benefits for veterans.
Name one major invention of the 1950s.
Television, appliances, credit cards.
What was the Baby Boom?
Large increase in births from 1946–1964.
Name one factor that increased consumerism.
Advertising, higher incomes, credit.
What was White Flight?
White families moving from cities to suburbs.
Who won the 1952 election?
Dwight D. Eisenhower.
How did television influence culture?
Entertainment and advertising.
Name one cause of the Baby Boom.
Returning soldiers, prosperity, GI Bill.
Name one popular leisure activity in the 1950s.
TV, drive‑in movies, sports.
What was one result of White Flight?
Urban decline and segregation.
What was the Interstate Highway Act?
Law building national highway system.
Typical gender role for men?
Breadwinner/provider, fixes all the problems.
Why were suburbs important to the American Dream?
Affordable homes and family life.
How did advertising influence culture?
Encouraged buying and consumer lifestyles.
What was Urban Renewal?
Knocking down buildings and Government rebuilding cities.
What was Truman’s Fair Deal?
Programs expanding social welfare.
Typical gender role for women?
Homemaker/housewife/caretaker
What housing development symbolized suburban growth?
Levittown.
What did credit cards allow consumers to do?
Buy now, pay later.
Why was Urban Renewal controversial?
Displaced many poor/minority communities.
What was the Great Society?
Johnson’s anti‑poverty and social programs.
Name one positive OR negative effect of gender roles.
Stability OR limited opportunities for women.