50s & 60s Transition Flashcards
What was the G.I. Bill?
A law that provided a range of benefits for some of the returning World War II veterans. Colleges were free to admit veterans who met their admissions requirements.
What was the impact of the G.I. Bill?
Within 7 years, approximately 8 million veterans received educational benefits; 2.3 million veterans received educational benefits; colleges saw a larger variety of attendants (not just the rich); transition from wartime to peacetime made easier; 3.4 million received on-the-job training
How did white collar jobs grow after WW2?
Increased college graduation rate
What was the suburban ideal?
To get away from city and to into suburbs and get a nice home
Why did reliance of foreign oil increase?
Increased car use in the U.S.
Who was William Levitt?
An American real-estate developer and housing pioneer credited as the father of modern American suburbia. (Levittown)
What was Levittown?
Levittown was the first truly mass-produced suburb and is widely regarded as the archetype for postwar suburbs throughout the country.
Impact of baby boomer generation on economy
Largest generation of Americans; led to need for more housing; increased educational needs; suburbs;
What was Sputnik?
A satellite launched by the soviets; scared American public for fear of being educationally behind them
Advance in medicine during DDE administration;
Jonas Selk develops polio vaccine; Polio ended up being wiped out
Creation of the Interstate Highway system during DDE administration
DDE signed Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956; bill created 41,000 miles of interstate and defense highway to eliminate various traffic problems; many argued the highways could be used as evacuation routes for cities in case of atomic attack
What was the green book
A guidebook for black travelers that provided a list of hotels, restaurants, service stations and other establishments that served blacks; published by victor H Green
Impact of television and mass media on American home, politics, and economy
Television became big in the 60s; tv killed most radio; people could watch political debates on tv; ads helped fuel the economy; led to national dialogue; greater homogenization of American culture; led to more migration; expanded advertising industry
What was the first presidential debate to be televised?
Nixon v Kennedy
What were beatniks?
Members of a social movement in the 1950s who subscribed to an anti-materialistic lifetyle; started by Jack Kerouac
