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The Economy In The 1950's

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The 1950’s postwar peacetime was a time of change. Post WWII Americans were breathing in the new world of consumerism and prosperity. In the post war years, social reform seem to happen at a slow pace according to activists and liberals, but with the economy recovering it brought a new and exciting look to this decade. Society has rarely experienced such a rapid and dramatic change that occurred in the 50’s. By the end of WWII only 40% of Americans owned their own homes; fifteen years later 60% owned their homes. Highways connected inner cities to suburban developments, you could find an antennae posted on nearly every roof, and families were purchasing frozen dinners from nearby supermarkets to enjoy while watching some of their favorite shows. …show more content…

The government also played the primary role in technological advances. Scientists were making breakthroughs in nuclear physics, aerospace, chemicals, and electronics. These industries were experiencing a parallel growth in productivity and discovery. White collar work had outnumbered blue collar for the first time ever. New jobs that were created specifically served the consumers. This economic shift had people exhilarated for their futures and America had come up with a new idea to advertise this lifestyle; pay them more, sell them more, prosper more. It was expected and more than that yearned for the possession of all the new gadgets that would ‘make life easier’. Consumerism was focusing on recreation. People were buying boats, swimming pools, and going on luxury vacations. More families were travelling abroad and those who weren’t were camping at local beaches or riding roller coasters at …show more content…

Despite the opinion that Eisenhower represented a dramatic departure from the democratic administration of Truman, Ike was fully within the liberal consensus established in 48’. According to Eisenhower, moderate republicanism meant running the government in a business like fashion, giving power to private interests in the states, but retaining overall responsibility of the federal government for issues of social security and welfare. As Eisenhower described it, the government should be liberal when it comes to people and conservative when it comes to spending. This would mean to recommend more schools to accommodate the needs of our children but not (providing) the

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