The 1950s

Prosperity and Conformity

Stock Market in the 1950s

Post-War Prosperity

Economic Recovery Pent up demand G.I. Bill

Increases in wages Productivity Unions

Franchising

New model for business

Baby Boom “War Babies”

Increase in population and consumption

Suburbanization

The Highway System Federal Highway Act (1956) $26 Billion 40,000 miles

Suburbanization

William Levitt Tract housing

Population Shift

Sunbelt

Consumerism

Television

Middle Class

Gender Roles

Men

Corporate Man White Collar Grey Flannel Suit

Sphere is outside home

Gender Roles

Women

The Happy Housewife Sphere is home Isolated

Sex Symbol

Conformity

Religious Revival “Under God” in Pledge of

Allegiance “In God We Trust” on

currency

Public Schools Good citizens

Television Mickey Mouse Club