American History Chapter 26-3 The Television Age
Feb 15, 2016
American History Chapter 26-3
The Television Age
TV in the American Home• TV development began in the 1920s.– 1945 – 1950: 5 million TVs had been sold to Americans.– 1959: 40 million Americans owned a TV set.
• Impact of television:– TV stars like Lucille Ball became American icons.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvoz7cpUaZ4
Impact of TV Continued
• Politicians were able to enhance their images with the voters.
• By 1960 TV became the major means of advertising.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDk_TEM257k
TV Entertainment• The Milton Berle Show was a comedy/music combo.• Soap operas, crime dramas, & game shows began in
the 50s.• TV Guide was published to aid viewers.• Rock & roll made American Bandstand a favorite for
the youth of America.
Dick Clark American Bandstand
Concerns Over TV
• Possible impacts on children:– Effects of violent content.
• The TV industry created its own standards:– Law enforcement would be shown in a positive light.– Criminals would always be caught and punished.
Other Advancements in the 1950s
• The transistor was developed to replace vacuum tubes.– Smaller than tubes.– Used in radios, TVs, computers.
Computer Technology• 1951: UNIVAC - 1st computer made for commercial use.– Predicted the outcome of the 1952 election.– IBM produced computers: 30,000 lbs./$50,000.– Integrated circuits: Several transistors on one board,
developed in 1958.
The Fight Against Polio
• 1952: 57,000 new cases of polio in the U.S.• Jonas Salk developed the 1st polio vaccine in 1952.• Salk became a national hero.
1950s Cultural Changes• U.S. emerged as the world’s greatest economic power.– Americans produced 1/3 of the world’s goods & services.
• A growing population sparked the housing market.– Massed produced communities called Levittowns sprang up.
• Auto sales were up.
New Culture Continued• There was a population shift towards the Sunbelt:– Because of air conditioning people moved to warmer climates.
• The Interstate Highway System was built during the 50s.– Cars/trucks became the main means of ground transportation.
• The Beat generation: Stars who rebelled against social norms.
DeanElvis Brando
• Criticisms• John Kenneth Galbraith-felt
Americans only cared about their own wealth• Some felt the 1950s was a loss of
individuality