 |
| Post WWII America |
| Levittown, NY |
| The mass development of the American suburbs began with the first plan community. Wages of workers increased dramatically. Home mortgages were made more affordable to veterans. People wanted to move out of the crowded cities and purchase a piece of the American dream-Home Ownership! |
 |
| As the American economy continued to increase, people took advantage of the larger incomes. Consumer and luxury items (like this drive-in theater) made a comeback. |
 |
| The "Baby-Boom", a period of unprecedented population growth from 1946-1964, greatly increased America's population during the 1950's. |
 |
| Along with the idyllic prosperity of the 1950's, americans had to learn to deal with the potential for a nuclear attack. Fears of the Soviet Union's nuclear arsenal prompted many families to construct bomb shelters in their backyards. |
 |
 |
| America was deeply scared of the "reds" (communists). The Soviet Union was seen as a major threat to the american way of life. The Rosenbergs were accused, convicted, and executed (in the electric chair) for their roles in domestic espionage. |
 |
| Rosa Parks (right) refused to give her bus seat up to a white man. Her action was one of several catalysts that pushed the civil rights movement into full gear in the 1950's. |
 |