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Demographic Changes. In the years following WWII. Desegregation of Armed Forces. President Truman decides to end segregation of the Armed Forces and Civil Service through executive order rather than legislation
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Demographic Changes In the years following WWII
Desegregation of Armed Forces • President Truman decides to end segregation of the Armed Forces and Civil Service through executive order rather than legislation • Executive Order 9981; establishes the President’s Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services • This executive order committed the government to integrating the segregated military
GI Bill of Rights • Measure provided educational and economic help to veterans. • The government paid for returning soldier’s schooling and provided them with a living allowance. • More than 7.8 million WWII veterans attended school under the GI Bill
Changes after WWII • Baby Boom • During the 1950s, U.S. grew by almost 30 million people. • Increase in the birth rate following WWII • the growth of suburbs • Suburbs • Families left the crowded city apartments to move to a house in the suburbs. • To serve the suburbs, shopping centers, movie theaters, and restaurants sprouted up on what was once farm land • Sale of the automobile increased as well, it was essential to have in the suburbs because of the lack of public transportation.
Technology • Air conditioning • Improve life in homes and automobiles • Television • By 1960 9 out of 10 owned a television • Popular shows • I Love Lucy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YGF5R9i53A • Lassie • The Lone Ranger • Mickey Mouse Club
Women’s Movement • 1960s; Women were demanding for equal rights • Faced discrimination in male dominated jobs • Woman could lose their job if they became pregnant • Women who wanted to work at jobs outside their homes were seen as “unnatural” • Many were pressured to quit their jobs once married • NOW; National Organization for Women • Help get women good jobs and equal pay for work. • ERA (equal rights act 1972) “equality of rights under law shall not be denied by the U.S. or any State on account of sex.” • Higher Education Act 1972 • Protected womenagainst discrimination • Expanded women’s rights and opportunities in education, sports, and the workplace
Migration to the South • Many migrants (mostly African Americans) were college educated, seeking: • economic opportunities in the rising southern economy • Escape from deteriorating Northern cities • Return to family members in the south • Care for family in the south • Retirement
Travel • Increased travel for business and pleasure • Increased in ownership of cars • Leisure time • Disposable income/paid holidays • Technological advancements • Interstate Highway System • Jet aircraft (1970s)
Information • Greater access to information • Accessibility to news • Television • Newspapers • Radio • Eventually the internet (1990s) • Cheaper and more convenient means of communication