Post-War America Flashcards
What was the Golden Age of Hollywood?
A period when 70 million people went to the cinema each week, with most films still in black and white and the introduction of ‘talkies’ with sound and dialogue.
What role did Hollywood studios play during the Golden Age?
They called themselves ‘dream factories’ and produced films for escapism from the Depression.
Who were Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers?
Famous for making musicals that featured lots of dancing during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
What was significant about Disney’s film ‘Three Little Pigs’?
It was the first color animation, released in 1933.
What notable film was made in 1939?
The Wizard of Oz.
What is the plot of ‘Of Mice and Men’?
It follows George and Lenny as they move to California looking for work during the Depression, highlighting themes of racism and isolation.
What percentage of people had radios during this era?
80% of people had radios.
What was the Glenn Miller Orchestra known for?
It was a swing dance band that had 70 top ten singles in four years.
What was the significance of the Savoy Dance Hall in Harlem?
It was the first dance hall to allow black and white people to mix freely.
What music genres were popular during this time?
Jazz, blues, and swing.
Who were the most famous musicians of the era?
Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.
What was the Harlem Renaissance?
A cultural, social, and artistic movement that emphasized the work of black people.
Who was boxer JJ Braddock?
He became world champion after losing 24 previous fights, known as the ‘Cinderella Man’.
What was notable about baseball player Babe Ruth?
He earned more than the president.
What happened at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin?
Black athlete Jesse Owens won four gold medals.
What was significant about the first televised American football match?
It took place in 1939.
What was the state of consumerism in the 1950s?
There was plenty of jobs and higher wages, leading to a baby boom and increased manufacturing.
What was the American Dream during this time?
The ideal life included a house in the suburbs, a steady job, marriage, and children.
What did the G.I. Bill of 1944 do for veterans?
It helped veterans by providing hospitals, low-interest mortgages, and grants for education.
How were women portrayed in 1950s advertisements?
As housewives using domestic gadgets, though many worked to support their families.
Who was Senator Joseph McCarthy?
A Republican senator known for his anti-communist ‘witch hunt’ from 1950 to 1954.
1954 he accused 45 army officers of being communist agents
Why was McCarthy able to create anti-communist feelings?
- The context of the Cold War: Eastern Europe, China, Korea,
- The fear amongst the general public of ‘Reds Under the Bed’
- The way that the anti-communist frenzy was whipped up in the press
- The knowledge amongst politicians that if they showed opposition to McCarthy they
were likely to lose their seats.
What was the outcome of McCarthy’s accusations?
He accused many, including politicians and actors, but never produced evidence.
What were the consequences of McCarthyism?
9,500 civil servants were dismissed. 15 000 resigned. 600 teachers lost their jobs.
Many artists and actors found it difficult to ever work again.
It helped create an anti -democratic atmosphere. Anyone who was Liberal, a trade Union member, who worked for civil rights or showed sympathy for the poor was
branded a ‘lefty’ and a ‘Commie’ or a ‘pinkie’. This created problems for people trying
to bring about civil rights.
The fear of communism continued after the death of McCarthy. Vigilante-style
groups were set up. The government produced anti-communist leaflets and films. In
1954 the Communist Party was banned.
What impact did World War II have on Black Americans?
-Some progress was made in ending segregation in the armed forces.
-At the beginning of the war segregation existed and all- black units were usually commanded by white officers – in fact there were only 12 black officers.
-Black soldiers were not sent into combat and instead were given less important jobs.
-There were no black officers.
-During the war there was a big increase in the number of racially integrated units – due to the support of General Eisenhower.
-There was also an increase in black officers and by the end of the war there were several units of black pilots
What was the Double V campaign?
A campaign during WWII advocating for victory abroad and civil rights at home for black Americans.
What was the significance of Executive Order 8802?
It ordered the ending of discrimination in government agencies and established the Fair Employment Practices Committee.
What was the philosophy regarding education for African Americans in the South?
There was a belief that educated black individuals could become a danger and were not intelligent enough to deserve education.
What did the 1896 Supreme Court ruling ‘Separate but Equal’ establish?
It allowed segregation in education but mandated equal provisions, which were not upheld.
