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The 1950s: Post-War America, Cold War, and Cultural Revolution

Explore the impact of post-WWII America on the issues that arose in the 1950s, the influence of the Cold War on American foreign policy, the changing aspects of culture, the civil rights movement, and the role of television in society.

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The 1950s: Post-War America, Cold War, and Cultural Revolution

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  1. The 1950s

  2. Essential Questions • What aspects of post–World War II America shaped the issues that arose in the 1950s? • How did the Cold War affect American foreign policy during the decade? • How did changing aspects of culture affect the upbringing of children and adolescents? • Why did rock ‘n’ roll engender wildly different reactions from various segments of society? • How did the modern civil rights movement evolve in the mid- and late 1950s? • What impact did television have on society, economics, and politics during the 1950s? • How did events and issues in the 1950s help lead to the cultural and social revolutions of the 1960s?

  3. Returning Veterans “Readjust” • GI Bill of Rights (Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944) • Provided vets with education, training, and low-cost loans for businesses and homes • Millions took advantage of benefits • College enrollment skyrocketed • GI Bill helped create “baby boom” of 1950s and 1960s

  4. Became president upon death of FDR (1945) Soviet aggression in Europe Faced several domestic challenges Won election to his own term in 1948 Korean War began in 1950 President Truman Truman (center) stands with Soviet Premier Josef Stalin (right foreground) during the 1945 Potsdam Conference

  5. Truman and Civil Rights • Congress rejected his civil rights legislation • Formed President’s Committee on Civil Rights • Desegregated federal employees and armed forces • “Dixiecrats” split from Democrats in 1948 due to Truman’s policies Truman shaking hands with a black soldier

  6. June 1950: Truman sent troops to Korea U.S. forces part of larger UN force U.S. and UN forces suffered major setbacks at first Inchon landing helped turn tide The Korean War: Outbreak Marines herding North Korean soldiers taken prisoner, 1951

  7. UN forces pushed communists to Yalu River MacArthur clashed with Truman over scope of war China entered conflict; war became a stalemate MacArthur fired Truce signed in 1953 The Korean War: Stalemate UN and North Korean representatives work out the details of the truce

  8. Discussion Questions • How did the U.S. government assist veterans returning from WWII? What benefits did they receive? • What actions did Truman take on issues of civil rights? How did his positions affect the Democratic Party? • How did Truman and MacArthur differ on conducting the war in Korea? Whose point of view do you agree with? Why?

  9. Truman decided not to run again Democrats nominated Stevenson; Republicans ran Eisenhower Eisenhower promised to “go to Korea” if elected Eisenhower won handily The Election of 1952 Republican running-mates Eisenhower (left) and Nixon campaigning in 1952

  10. Nicknamed “Ike” Led troops in North Africa, planned and ran D-Day invasion President of Columbia University NATO commander Elected president in 1952 and 1956 Died 1969 Dwight D. Eisenhower

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