Post War American Society And Economy

Question 1

What is the American dream?

Answer 1

The idea that anyone could succeed through hard work.
That each generation is more successful than the pervious one.

Question 2

What is consumerism?

Answer 2

The concept that the ever expanding consumption of goods benefits the economy

Question 3

Why were consumer goods, for instance fridges, ovens, cars and TV so cheap and in demand at the end of WW2? (2)

Answer 3

They were produced at affordable prices. They were in high demand as they were rare during the war.

Question 4

By the end of the 1950s what percentage of American households had a) TV b) a car and a telephone? (2)

Answer 4

A) 9 out of every 10 households had a TV
B) 8 has car and telephone
Bonus - 7 had washing machine

Question 5

How much did the population increase by during the 1950s and why? (2)

Answer 5

40% increase
Because of the ‘baby boom’

Question 6

By 1952, what % of manufactured goods were America supplying to the world?

Answer 6

65%

Question 7

What appeared for the first time on the outskirts of large American cities and towns?
(clue: Westfield!)

Answer 7

Shopping malls

Question 8

Give two ways people were persuaded to spend more money. (2)

Answer 8

Powerful advertising industry.
‘Buy now, pay later’ schemes.

Question 9

List 2 ways that President Truman attempted to tackle poverty and the rights of African Americans in his Fair Deal. (2)

Answer 9

Raised minimum hourly wage from 40 cents to 75 cents.
Cleared slum housing to make space for affordable housing.
The GI Bill made cheap home loans available too War veterans and grants paid for ex soldiers to attend college or trade schools. From 1944 to 1949 the government gave around $4B to nearly 9 million veterans.

Question 10

List 2 ways that Truman’s Fair Deal did not tackle poverty and AA rights. (2)

Answer 10

Tried to introduce a national health scheme but was blocked by republicans.
Tried to improve the rights of African Americans but was stopped by politicians from southern states.

Question 11

List 2 ways that President Eisenhower attempted to help people in the 1950s. (2)

Answer 11

Brought in business people to government to keep the economy booming.
Living standards improved and wages rose.

Question 12

List 2 ways President Eisenhower failed to help people in the 1950s. (2)

Answer 12

Vast areas mainly in the south, where most people were desperately poor.
No national health service, or jobseekers or sickness pay.