1950s Dbq

The 1950s was a return of a conservative government after it saw off Truman and FDR. Not only that, but the 1950s saw a change in other areas as well. Because of America’s new view, and the public’s new way of life, there came about an age of political, social, and cultural conformity. America had socially conformed. “If parents, teachers…conducted their responsibilities by following ratings…” (Doc I). What this is saying is that if everyone were to go about their jobs to get a majority approval then nothing real will get done. During the 1950s this was big because suburbia started to come along, “Little Boxes all the same,” (Doc L). When suburbs started to come along more and more Americans were moving to the suburbs, and it soon became the norm. “They are not workers, nor are they the white collar people in the usual…” (Doc N). What this document is talking about is how these are the people of the middle class who, “have left home, spiritually as well as physically….” (Doc N). It goes on to say that they are the dominant members of the society at this tie, and that it is their values which will set the American temper (Doc N). The social change in America also brought about a cultural change in America. Illiteracy declined in people over 10 from 6% in 1920 to 2.4% in 1960 (Doc K). This shows that America as a whole was taking education more seriously. With the higher literacy rate came a higher family income in the Suburbs, this was 70 per cent higher than the rest of the nation (Doc J). The status of women also changed. This was the, “Suburban Housewife.” The suburban housewife was the dream of young American women. One who was freed by science and laborsaving appliances and dangers of childbirth (Doc M). She was concerned only about her husband. This was a huge change from when women were trying to fight the right to vote, and were constantly in the news. “Feminine fulfillment became the cherished and self-perpetuating core of