Cold War- During, World War II, Soviet Union, and the United States fought together as allies, however the alliance between them was a tense one and the United States grew well aware of Russias communism, and there ruthless coldblooded tyrant, Joseph Stalin. The Cold War was not much of an physical war, but more of a mental, politcal war. It was based on Economics, Trade, Nuclear/Atomic Testing, and basically the US and the USSR just trying to outdo each other in anything possible.
The Red Scare- The Red Scare was pretty much when citizens in the US was afraid of communism taking over in their country. Also, when they were afraid of possible nuclear attacks from the USSR, and just nuclear warfare in general. In the early 1950s is when the Cold War really intensified, and The Red Scare became a big thing that everyone talked about. Communists were often refered to as "Reds" because of their allegiance to the red soviet flag. The Red Scare, and all the fears with it finally became to ease down in the late 1950s.
McCarthyism- When people were accused of communism, they would be fired from their jobs and sometimes people would be falsely accused of Communism. Even people that were found as Communist spies would be executed. Some citizens found it good, some found it not so good.
Fallout Shelter- A enclosed room designed to protect people from radioactive debris or nuclear fallout.
Duck and Cover Drills- A method that the United States Government taught the school kids from the early 1950s until the end of the Cold War in the late 1980s. To attempt to protect them from nuclear explosions.
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg- United States citizens convicted espionage during a time of war, thus they were executed. Their charges were related to the information passed about the atomic bomb to the Soviets.
Hollywood Ten (Blacklisted)- A list of actors, musicians, directors, e.t.c, that were denied employment because of their political beliefs.
Sputnik (US-USSR Space Race)- The first artificial Earth satellite that was created from the Soviets, and triggered the Space Age.
GI Bill- A law that provided returning World War II veterans with benefits, some of the benefits were, low-cost mortages, money to attend college or other schooling, and low-interest loans to start a farm or your very own business.
Rise of Suburbs (Levittown, NY)- A family company named Levits raised enough materials and money to make Levittown the very first great suburbs. After the depression of WWII people were trying to find a way to live on the outskirts of the city to where the land was cheap but they could still shop and work in the city. Levittown was great for that type of environment.
Baby Boom- A time that the birth rate was doubled and the number of annual births was 2 per 100 women (basically doubling the current population) this time period was just after WWII.
Eisenhower's Interstate Highway System- A system created by Dwight D. Eisenhower who mastered it's formation. It is now and was a part of the National Highway System of the US.
1950s TV Culture- It was priceless entertainment to which mass culture and attending cinemas/movie theateres were no longer needed. 90% of all American had an TV in the 1950's and nearly half of the population thought it was their favorite entertainment.
Women in the 50s- The role of women in the 1950s was repressive and constrictive in many ways. Society placed high importance and expectations at their home as well as out in the public.
Rock and Roll- A popular music that comes from the United States in the early 1950s and late 1940s, primarily from a combination of African American Blues, Gospel, Jazz, and Jump Blues.
James Dean- "Rebel Without a Cause"- A 1955 American Drama Film about emotionally hurt about suburban, middle-class teenagers. Directed by Nicholas Ray.
Cars of the 1950s- The Economy of automobiles was booming in the 1950s. One of the most defining features of the 1950s car is the tail light. The rear of the 1950s car was extravagant, with tail lights that resembled fins or wings. Other features of the 1950s cars were: A wraparound shield, to improve driving visibility; interiors included cigarette lighters, tinted glass, map lights, armrests, and air conditioning, e.t.c.
