Chapter 36 – American Zenith I. Politics: A. Eisenhower (Republican) elected in 1952 & 1956. B. Republicans won control of Congress. C. Tried to govern “from the middle.” II. Economics: A. Short downturn as soldiers returned home. B. Savings and pent-up demand led to economic boom beginning in late 1940s. C. Economy shifted from war production to consumer goods.
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Chapter 36 – American Zenith I.Politics: A. Eisenhower (Republican) elected in 1952 & 1956.1952 B. Republicans won control of Congress. C. Tried to govern.
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Chapter 36 – American ZenithI. Politics:
A. Eisenhower (Republican) elected in 1952 & 1956.B. Republicans won control of Congress.C. Tried to govern “from the middle.”
II. Economics:A. Short downturn as soldiers returned home.B. Savings and pent-up demand led to economic boom beginning in late 1940s.C. Economy shifted from war production to consumer goods.
III. Social Life:A. Conformity
1. “Company man.”2. Housewife3. Suburban Housing
B. Rebellion1. Rock and Roll.2. The Beat Movement
C. ConsumerismD. Television (“idealized white society.”)E. The AutomobileF. Baby Boom (Births rise dramatically from 1947 –
1964).G. New amounts of “leisure time.”
IV. Don’t forget The Cold War!A. Russians have H-Bomb.B. Russians have missiles that can reach U.S.C. Cuban Missile CrisisD. CIA covert action around the world
V. Also, early Civil Rights Movement
“Ike for President”• Ike for President jinglehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9RAxAgksSE
Causes of the automobile boom….•Cheap fuel• Easy credit terms to buy cars• The growth of the suburbs
Effects of the automobile boom….• Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway Act… 41K miles of highways•“Homogenized” our culture… “drive from Brooklyn to Los Angeles without a change of diet, scenery or culture” J. Keats• Increased travel… destination vacations… i.e. Disney World• Public transportation declined• Stimulates business: Motels, drive-in restaurants, drive-in movies, shopping malls
40M cars in 1950… 60M in 1960
What new problems did automobiles create?
• Noise & exhaust pollution• An increase in traffic accidents• People & businesses leave the cities… poverty becomes more
concentrated in the cities• Tax base in the cities erodes • Public transportation declined… funding went to highways
Back
What factors influenced the amount of leisure time Americans enjoyed?
• The 40 hour work week• Generous vacation time• Time saving devices: Washers, dryers, dishwashers, Lawn