pages 41-42 of USA A5 booklet (Consumerism and the causes of prosperity). Flashcards
During the 1950s, how much of the world’s goods did the USA produce?
Nearly 50%
During the 1950s, how much did the USA’s GNP increase by?
It doubled
What did many white Americans rely on when moving out of city centres to suburban areas?
They relied on their cars for transport.
What consumer goods were widely available?
Many consumer goods were widely available such as washing machines, fridges and televisions.
What happened as people’s wealth increased?
As people’s wealth increased, they bought more luxury goods and economic growth continued.
In 1960, what was the average standard of living for an American compared to the average British person?
By 1960, the living standard of the average American was 3 times higher than the average British person.
What became a popular activity for many people?
Shopping became a popular activity and advertising in newspapers, magazines, on the radio and on TV were very important.
What became a normal thing to do?
Buying items on hire purchase became the norm and people got used to buying immediately and living on credit rather than saving up for something.
how long was it expected that goods would last?
It was expected that goods would last for a few years before they needed replacing. It became more difficult to buy parts for older models and so people gave in to the temptation of the latest advertisements.
Compared to the 1920’s, how was the spread of wealth distributed?
Compared to the 1920’s, wealth was better spread across society but there were still many groups who didn’t benefit.
Most did most Americans aspire to be part of?
Most Americans aspired to be part of this American dream.
What was a teenager?
This term was used to describe young people from the 1940s onwards because they had more free time and money than the youth in previous generations.
By the 1950s, what were teenagers associated as?
By the 1950s, teenagers were associated with rebellion and were seen to act against their parents and society.
Name 2 teenage rebels that were shown in films, and what was the effect of this?
Teenage rebels were shown in films such as Marlon Brando and James Dean who were thought to be unsuitable role models by parents across the country.
What % of the US population owned a TV in 1948, 1954 and 1958?
In 1948, 0.4% of households owned a TV, by 1954 it was 55.7% and by 1958, it was 83.2%.
What was TV dominated by?
Tv was dominated by commercial sponsors trying to encourage people to buy their product.
What were most TV programmes?
Most programmes were games shows and soap operas but TV news became increasingly important.
What type of TV show was there a dramatic increase in after the war?
There were lots of new shows for children due to the post-war baby boom.
What was household buying often determined by?
Household buying was often determined by adverts on TV and what the neighbours had bought.
What did beat music of the 1940s turn into?
Beat music of the 1940s transformed into rock and role of the 1950s.
Which famous singer emerged in the 1950s, and what was the problem of this?
Popular singers such as Elvis Presley took to the stage. His gyrating hips and sexy persona shocked parents and wowed fans.
How many hit singles did Elvis have and how many top-selling albums?
Elvis had 170 hit singles and over 80 top-selling albums.
By 1945, how much had the government spent per day on the war effort?
The government spent $250 million per day on the war effort by 1945 and much of this was given to US factories to produce resources for war. Factory workers’ wages were therefore high throughout the war.
Why was there an American boom during the war?
Other than the attack on Pearl Harbour, the USA wasn’t invaded so the people of America spent money on everyday items which helped the economy to boom (similar to the 1920s boom).
