Peace, Prosperity, and Progress

From Goods to Services

When the 1950's began, the US was run by industries that produced goods such as cars and appliances. These industries soon turned into service providers such as fast food restaurants and motel chains. This caused competition between industries fighting for people's money.

Blue Collar to White Collar Jobs

The economy began to grow and change and so did job opportunities. There was a major shift from Blue Collard jobs to White Collard Jobs throughout the 1950's. Blue collard jobs included working in factories or a skilled trade. White collard jobs included doctors and lawyers

Baby BOOM

After WWII ended, a light was shed upon all women with military husbands. They were reunited with their loved ones. In 1946, the marriage and birth rates increased dramatically and the Baby Boom was born.

The Suburbs

Suburbs saved space and proved to work well during the Great Depression. Many middle-class families moved here and settled! 

Fun Fact: The first planned community ever created was called Levittown, created by the Levitt brothers in 1947.

Highway Systems and Technology Advancements

The interstate highway system was created in 1956 to connect more cities through a roadway system. By 1960, the highway system was 10,000 miles long. This advancement made it easier and safer to travel long distances in a car and provided more housing and job opportunities.

Rebelling Against Conformity

Rock n Roll

This genre of music was born in the 1950's. It's rooted from Africa America and the harsh rhythm and sick beat caused adults to hate this new type of music.

Conformity

The 1950's was a period of conformity. This is when both men and women had strict gender roles and excepted society's expectations. After the devastation of the Great Depression and World War II, many Americans sought to build a peaceful and prosperous society.

Beat Movement

The Beat Movement was a new generation of poets rebelled against the conventions of mainstream American life and writing. They became known as the Beat Poets. This movement was extremely successful because it was so out of the ordinary.