Chapter 37: The Eisenhower Era, 1952-1960

Question 1

1. Was Eisenhower’s seeming caution an inactivity a lack of vigorous leadership or a wise prudence in the exercise of power?

Answer 1

• Eisenhower’s seeming caution was wise prudence in the exercise of power, because, while his decisions were few, they were effective. He signed the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1960, created NASA, and improved the New Deal through the Social Security System. Though many would label his inactivity as a lack of leadership, he was wise to think things through rather than rush into decisions.

Question 2

2. Was the 1950s a time of American triumph abroad and affluence at home, or was it a period that actually suppressed many problems of race, women’s roles, and cultural conformity?

Answer 2

• The 1950s was a time of American affluence at home. During this time period, the standard of living for most Americans increased dramatically. Their gross natural product doubled, and most of the prosperity was spread to the middle class, not only America’s upper wealthy citizens. Indoor plumbing, television, and electricity were more widespread. Most people agreed on American values because of their contented living, but issues women’s roles and cultural conformity were suppressed. Sociologist David Riesman criticized Americans for their conformity and lack of independence. Many Americans chose to live in blissful ignorance. Segregation was widespread in housing, employment, education, and social status, but it was not really ‘suppressed’ in the 50s because the movement became widespread and first became successful in the 50s. However, many southerners showed extraordinary resistance to desegregation, some state buildings even flying the confederate flag. Women were suppressed in the 50s and their movement did not begin to experience the same attention until the 60s.

Question 3

3. Which writers and artists best expressed the concerns of American culture in the 1950s? Was there a connection between the rise of pop-culture figures like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe and the changes in art and writing (like the Beats and the new southern writers)?

Answer 3

• The Beats, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley were all sex symbols. This was connected to the materialistic culture of the era. Due to the rising standard of living, Americans became more focused on material goods. Pop culture figures and writers like the Beats supported the new experimentation with drugs and free sex.