G.I. Bill
Servicemen's Readjustment Act- boosted the economy by providing generous loans to veterans to help them establish businesses, buy homes, and attend college.
Taft-Hartley Act
In 1947 a new and more conservative Congress set out to curb the power of organized labor by passing this act (closed shops were banned).
Appalachia
mountainous region of the U.S. that stretches from Georgia to New York.
Chuck Berry
African American musician who recorded hit rock n' roll songs in the 1950s
Albert Sabin
researcher who developed an oral vaccine for polio
Federal Highway Act
the largest public works program in American history
St. Lawrence Sea-way
public works program created by President Eisenhower
white-collar jobs
work that takes place mostly in offices, instead of in factories
blue-collar jobs
manual labor or factory jobs
generation gap
term for the cultural separation between children and their parents
For most Americans, the 1950s was a decade of incredible _____________.
prosperity
What was one of the most popular shows ever to air on television during the 1950s that was a situation comedy?
I Love Lucy
Name the causes of juvenile delinquency.
poverty, movies, lack of religion, and television
What form of music did rock n' roll grow out of?
rhythm and blues
What did President Truman's Fair Deal Programs do?
increased Social Security benefits, extend benefits to 10 million more Americans, and raise the minimum wage.
Even though for most Americans the 1950s was a time of prosperity, how many Americans lived below the poverty line?
1 in 5 Americans lived below the poverty line
dynamic conservatism
President Eisenhower's political ideology-activism in areas that would benefit the country. President Eisenhower believed in "middle of the road" politics.
Who wrote the play, A Raisin in the Sun?
Lorraine Hansberry
What medical advances occurred in the 1950s?
treatments/vaccines for polio, cancer, and heart disease
What did the suburbs offer?
a better life; a get away from crime and congestion in the city
What was the key factor that enabled the U.S. economy after WWII?
an increase in consumer spending
What efforts began in the U.S. after the launches of Sputnik I and II?
improving math and science
Urban Renewal
programs that tried to eliminate poverty by tearing down slums and erecting high-rise buildings for poor residents
termination policy
a federal government policy launched after WWII intended to bring Native Americans into mainstream society.
Describe a juvenile delinquent in the 1950s.
a stereotype for young Americans who favored unconventional clothing and hairstyles.
Which U.S. president integrated the military in 1947?
President Harry S. Truman
baby boom
An increase in population by almost 30 million people between 1945-1961. This spurred a growth in suburbs and three to four children families.
Why did unemployment soar in rural Appalachia during the 1950s?
the mechanization of coal mining
Why did radios/radio stations flourish during the 1950s?
radios in cars allowed music and entertainment to be heard anywhere.
Sun Studio
Memphis, TN recording studio became the focal point for the crossover of music from R&B to rock and roll. Sun Studio opened in 1950. In 1954 recorded Elvis Presley singing "That's All Right" they sold Presley's contract to RCA in 1956
Stax Records
Originally founded in 1957, this label was a major factor in the creation of southern soul and Memphis soul music styles, also releasing gospel, funk, jazz and blues recording. After the death of their biggest star Otis Redding, this label continued under