How Would You Describe the Economy of the 1950S?

A Glimpse of the 1950s

1950s Economics

How would you describe the economy of the 1950s?

What was the fastest growing industry?

Why was the economy booming? 1) ______- Provided generous funds to veterans to help them buy homes, attend college, and create businesses • Low Interest loans to veterans 2) ______-Truman’s Program to promote his domestic agenda • Raised minimum wage to 75 cents • Increased social security • Passed National Housing Act – provided construction of low income housing

1950s Politics Truman was President at the beginning of the decade. He left office in January of 1953 Who won the election in 1952 and would be president until 1960?

His policies: • Conservative • Cut federal spending • Extended social security • Extended unemployment compensation

1950s Lifestyle What fueled suburbanization led to hotels and more vacations in the 1950s?

______- Earliest mass-produced suburbs • Planned residential community • Moved to suburbs to escape crime and congestion • Thought it would be better life for children • GI Bill made it affordable

What was the increase in birthrate during the 1950s called?

What were some medical breakthroughs of the 1950s? 1950s Entertainment ______-New kind of music that the younger generation was listening to o List some of the major musical artists of the decade

______were in 80% of households by 1957 List some major shows of the 1950s

______- Mostly white writers and artists who criticized conformity of American culture and emptiness of popular culture • Created values gap • Laid foundations of youth cultural rebellion of 1960s

Who was left out of the Prosperity List 4 groups left out of prosperity?

What was the Termination policy?

List 2 other problems of the decade.