Preview

To what extent did the decade of the 1950's deserve its reputation as an age of political, social and cultural conformity?

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
484 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
To what extent did the decade of the 1950's deserve its reputation as an age of political, social and cultural conformity?
Conformity is defined in the dictionary as a correspondence in form or character agreement. This correspondence and agreement was something that understandably took away from the individual and more or less "conformed" society in the 50's. The 1950's deserves its reputation as an age of political, social, and cultural conformity to a great extent. Eisenhower's actions to improve old policies were indeed a political conformity. Society was being surrounded with leisure activities that no doubt accepted the customs of its culture.

During the decade of 1950, American citizens desired for a decisive leadership. The president was ready to support and lead the nation. Ike was leading the country by his philosophy in which he believed that he should be liberal with people and conservative with their economy. Ike supported the Highway Act of 1956 which resulted in $27 billion dollars to build 42,000 miles of highways. Eisenhower practiced "the politics of tranquility" a new executive style that was quite different from the social activism of Roosevelt and Truman. Americans of both generations were eager to pursue the politics of tranquility.

Social conformity was also being played out during the 1950s. During the 1950s, America's Gross National Product increased 51%. GIs returning from World War II and Korea were eager to spend money and to have children. In the 1950s, 29 million new Americans were born. The birth rate of the United States was comparable to that of India. To meet the consumer demands of this increasing population, American industry expanded at an amazing pace and turned out new cars, clothing, Frisbees, and a plethora of other consumer items. During the 50s, women faced terrific hostility as many were convinced that the female's place was in the home, their actions were acceptable and met the traditional values of the nation.

Cultural conformity was also an aspect of the 1950's. The role of women and men and/or teen culture evolved. In the 1950's the

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    U.S. Cultural Trends (50’s/60’s): Conformity was common -rebellion within literature and art *Jackson Pollock (artist) *Beat generation (Gregory Corso, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg) *James Dean and Marilyn Monroe Traditional gender roles Boom period -economy *construction *increase in military spending *low unemployment rates and inflation -suburbs *G.I. Bill (lower cost for returning soldiers) *women were expected to stay in the home -baby boom (~77 million) The Civil Rights Movement -Brown v. Board of Education -Rosa Parks (1955) and bus boycott -Martin Luther King Jr.…

    • 113 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    The Advent of EisenhowerAmerican people found themselves in the 1950s dug into the Cold War abroad and dangerously divided at home over the explosive issues of communist subversion and civil rightsDemocratic prospects in the president election of 1952 were blighted by the military deadlock in Korea, Truman’s clash with MacArthur, war-bred inflation, and whiffs of scandalDemocrats nominated Adlai E. Stevenson (governor of Illinois) while the Republicans enthusiastically chose General Dwight D. Eisenhower (and paired him with Richard Nixon)Eisenhower was already the most popular American of his time (television politics, credentials)Eisenhower left the rough campaigning to Nixon, but reports surfaced of a secret “slush fund” that Nixon had tapped while in Senate and he made a “Checkers speech” that saved himNixon and Eisenhower both embraced the new technology of the black-and-white televisionThis new medium was a threat to the historic role of political parties (political communication)Eisenhower cracked the solid South wide open and ensured GOP control of the new Congress “Ike” Takes CommandEisenhower visited Korea in December 1952 but could not budge the peace negotiations; only after Eisenhower threatened to use atomic weapons seven months later was an armistice finally signed but was repeatedly violated in the succeeding decadesThe fighting lasted three years and about fifty-four thousand Americans died and more than a million Asians were dead but only Korea remained divided at the thirty-eighth parallelEisenhower had a leadership style that projected sincerity, fairness, and optimism; his greatest asset was his enjoyment of the affection and respect of the citizenryHis immense popularity was used for a good cause (social harmony and civil rights) The Rise and Fall of Joseph McCarthyOne of the first problems Eisenhower faced was the swelling popularity and swaggering power of anticommunist crusader Senator Joseph…

    • 2886 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    The Fifties in America. Ed. John C. Super. Vol. III. Pasadena, CA: Salem, 2005. N. pag. Print.…

    • 805 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    The 1950’s was a decade of progress. Cars were improving in efficiency. Everyone also had a pretty good idea of “the perfect all American family”. This family consists of a working dad who brings home the money; a stay at home mom who cooked, cleaned, took care of the children, and took care of the bills; and 2-3 children. This also created a stereotype for American families. The 1950’s was a pretty happy-go-lucky decade, and inventions such as the Mr. potato head, and the Hula-hoop showed it. 1950’s theater, film and television programs were greatly affected by the carefree activities that were happening during the 50’s.…

    • 440 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    1950's Misconceptions

    • 1066 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The 1950's are often compared to the roaring twenties. It was a time of revolution for America's society. It was not a misconception that could be seen as the highpoint in America's society and culture. It was not a misconception. During World War Two, many businesses produced weapons for the war.…

    • 1066 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Many good consumer goods started getting produced during the 50s which was a very positive thing because Americans didn’t have to worry about losing their money again. Car registrations soared along with birth rate: from 26 million in 1945 to 40 million in 1950 to 60 million by the end of the decade. Americans can finally enjoy the…

    • 791 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    The baby boom increased the population 30 percent. The economy grew with suburbs expanding from the cities. The 1950s was a time of new things for America including television, mobile cars, Rock ‘N’ Roll, and the economy ever growing. The baby boom began in 1946, with a record of 3.4 million born in the United States.…

    • 1572 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Essay On 1950s Sports

    • 666 Words
    • 3 Pages

    How well do you know the 1950s? The 1950s was the beginning of major things changing, from the way war is fought to the integration of sports and life itself. Even though war and segregation has been around for a huge part of history things were changing soon.…

    • 666 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Fashion In The 1950's

    • 755 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The 1950’s was a time of change, wars were happening around the world. Not only were wars happening in the 1950’s vaccines were being made to help those who were sick or injured. The vaccine for Polio was invented in 1952 by Alexander Fleming then it was adjusted. Vaccines weren’t the only thing being invented in the 1950’s, a credit card was made on October 31, 1950 the credit card went worldwide trending. The 1950’s was a time were it was turning from having dull items to newer more advanced items.…

    • 755 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Many things about American society have changed in the past sixty years. The 1960's were a time of counterculture, and many people rebelled against what had been socially normal in years past. Today, Americans still fight and rebel for what they believe in, but perhaps not on such a large scale as in the 60's, and now for somewhat different causes. In some ways, the social norms of the 1960's are still similar today; during the 60's, birth control became popular, drug use was very common, and people tended to think liberally, and be accepting of all lifestyles. Today, birth control and abortions are still common, marijuana has been legalized in some states, and same sex-marriages were recently legalized.…

    • 386 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    New Election 1960

    • 1318 Words
    • 6 Pages

    The 1960’s was a new decade of a new generation. The second world war had ended over a decade before and America was ready for new beginnings. America was gaining new inventions- like the television- and dealing with new international problems- like the Cold War. The country was also dealing with issues within itself- like the Civil Rights Movement and an influx of a…

    • 1318 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    1950s Consumerism

    • 1943 Words
    • 8 Pages

    The 1950’s are considered a decade of simplicity for most Americans. While the country was experiencing economic and social growth most American felt at home with them selves. Family stability was monumental, and the formation of the suburbs created an urban working class associated with a rural family atmosphere.…

    • 1943 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    The 1950s are known for the baby boomers and a nationwide shift to the suburbs. Life was placid and relaxed for the majority of families. Most people knew their places and fit into them neatly. Men were often the sole earners for their families, while women stayed home and cared for the children (History.com Staff 2010).…

    • 916 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Ap Us History 2001 Dbq

    • 1089 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Eisenhower’s administration was to a somewhat large extent successful in addressing Cold War fears after World War II through attempts at promoting capitalism and preventing the spread of Communism.…

    • 1089 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    Socially, economically and, politically, the 1950's were the "happy days." The 1950's were marked with many historical events, positive and negative. The decade had its downfalls, but they were nothing compared to the improvement of life in all aspects. The economy was booming, making families feel more financially stable than they had in years. There was an "explosion of science and technology"(Brinkley 803). Medical advances, at this time, included the polio vaccination. Unemployment was down, the economy was up, and family life showed the morale of the American people was much higher than it had been in many years.…

    • 1194 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays