MYP Unit Question: How can the contributions of one person affect the direction of an entire nation?

Guiding Question: How did culture and the role of the president shape post-WWII America?

The 1950s

President Eisenhower

                                 Elizabeth Kelly, Kiren Gopal, Maya Menlo, Ishaan Taylor & Aarti Anturkar

• Business & the Economy 

       After the end of World War II, the United States was undoubtedly the world leader when it came to economic power. At the beginning of the 1950’s, the gross national product of the nation, or the value of all goods and services produced, was $284.6 billion. The decade ended, in contrast, on a high note by almost doubling this amount- to a dramatic $482.7 billion. Likewise, the value of American goods increased, which consequently resulted in American exports reaching their all time high. Nations and people from all corners of the world were excited and willing to buy American made products- especially in the industries of automobiles, electronics, furniture, chemicals, glass and metals.     

       As confidence around the world increased for the quality and reliability of an American product, so did the morale of business communities and consumers. Loans were approved, businesses started and entrepreneurship promoted. However, as the consequence of this rapid growth which would lead to large inflations, Congress tried to slow down the economy by imposing price regulations on commonly bought goods and by enforcing antitrust regulations. As one can observe, this era vastly contrasted the concept of laissez faire that was loyally followed before the Great Depression- instead, making the government a major, contributing participating member of the American economic market. As a result, taxes increased, from approximately $40 billion to $80 billion. Due to these consequences that personally affected the lives of all American individuals, the awareness of the nation’s economic progress increased- adding to the country’s confidence, further stimulating American growth and prosperity.

• Education

       In the 1950's, more and more children began to attend school—an increase of 30 percent. Overcrowding soon occurred in 60 percent of classrooms, and $20.9 billion was spent in construction to remedy this. Special emphasis was placed on sciences such as physics and engineering because of the belief that the system was too soft and Russian education was better, as shown by the launch of Sputnik in 1957. In addition, the case Brown vs the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, banned segregation in schools. Although black parents could now insist that their children attend the previously white-only schools, transition to these ideas was difficult in many areas, and the struggle for equal education lasted many years.

• Fashion:

           The 1950s were a time of optimism and simplicity, as reflected by the fashion of the time period. Among the fresh ideas was the “New Look.” Women dressed as women again after years of deprivation due to war. Clothing designs were sensuous and sexy; sequined gowns and tight dresses were popular for evening wear. Men’s’ fashion remained simple; simple, comfortable sports-wear became widely popular and generally known as the “American Look.”

  

• Film and Theater:

       The increasing popularity of the television threatened the movie industry during the 1950s. Nevertheless, the film industry underwent a transformation, making bigger and more dramatic movies that television programs could not offer. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock began to experiment with more daring topics as actresses like Marilyn Monroe donned scandalous costumes in front of the camera. Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean are among popular actors of the period. Science fiction movies like The Day the Earth Stood Still and Invasion of the Body Snatchers were popular as well as the Japanese monster movie, Godzilla.

• Food and Drink:

       Standardization and franchising emerged in the 1950s as illustrated by the McDonalds corporation, which sold "billions and billions" of burgers throughout the decade.  Due to this restaurant's rising popularity, French fries, hamburgers, and milkshakes became iconic American foods, as well as the meal of the decade. TV dinners - frozen, pre-prepared meals - were another example of standardization. Despite the growing popularity of processed foods, most Americans continued to prepare food at home on a regular basis. 

• Print Culture

   

  During the fifties, the horizons of American print culture expanded greatly, whether it be through increasing popularity of books or through the emergence of new magazines. Due to Nobel Prizes, American authors became well-known through out the world and books such as Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea and Salinger’s The Catcher in the were very popular among the American people. Also, other emerging writers, one of whom being Norman Mailer, grew recognition for his war novel The Naked and the Dead, a feat he could not achieve before. A  group of writes known as the Beats, strived to go against cultural stereotypes and wrote pieces that were very much discerning of American society, such as the poem Howl by Allen Ginsberg. A wide variety of children’s books were also written such as Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who, and comic strips including such as the Peanuts were published. Older magazines began to sharply decline in popularity, with the emergence of new one such as Sports Illustrated, Playboy, National Enquirer and MAD Magazine. This was because by this era, advertising became more geared words specialized magazines that would promote the sale of their product, something previous magazines such as the American Magazine could not provide.

  

   

• Sports & Games :

    During the 1950s, the American love for sports grew stronger. This was the result of televised broadcast of weekly games, and the weekly distribution of the then new, but now famous Sports Illustrated Magazine. Sports Illustrated provided what TV didn't, the analysis of games, players, and behind the scenes action. Also, sports, such as baseball, were beginning to be integrated. In the 1950s many of the famous names we know were playing. Names like Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Don Newcombe, and more. The NBA also began to allow black players into the league. Games we now know and are a household name began to appear on store shelves in the '50s. The little bricks children know and love, LEGOs, were being imported from Denmark. In addition, the Etch A Sketch, where one turns the knobs left and right to create a rendering that can be erased by shaking the toy, became popular.

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• Music

   

       In the 1950’s, a new musical idea was born: Rock and Roll. It was a mixture of many different genres including jazz, R&B, and pop to create a unique style that shook the American mindset. Ray Charles (1930-) described this music as "When they get a couple of guitars together with a backbeat, that's rock and roll." Rock and roll was also a means to overcome segregation. Blacks and whites played in bands together and they worked together. Some other rock stars in the 1950’s included Fats Domino (1928–), Chuck Berry (1926–), Little Richard (1932–), Jerry Lee Lewis (1935–), Buddy Holly (1936–1959), and Johnny Ray (1927–1990) (Bowling, Beatniks, and Bell-Bottoms: Pop Culture of 20th-Century America 684). These people greatly improved the social aspects of the 20^th century by extending the social boundaries and giving people a reason to come together. However with positives there must also be negatives. Rock and roll was a gateway to drugs, alcohol, and sex. Many youths and young adults became rugged and haggard. Adults started using many drugs and drinking as a form of entertainment. This underage, illicit behavior followed up mainly through the 1970’s and is still a problem in todays society in the majority of American teens.

   

   

       Another musical transformation that occurred in the 1950's was that of jazz. As stated in Bowling, Beatniks and Bell-Bottoms: Pop Culture of the 20th-Century America, “In the 1940s, jazz had been the music of urban hipsters. The jazz of the 1940s was heard in nightclubs, most often in black neighborhoods. In the 1950s, jazz was brought out of the cities and into new respectability in popular jazz festivals” (684)

                                           "Dusty Rag" 1950's performed by Pheonix Jazz Band

• "The Way We Lived"

         The 1950s were a very relaxed time in American history. The auto industry was booming, families were very prosperous, and crime was low. Many families decided to celebrate this prosperity by have more, and more children, continuing the "baby boom" which started after the men returned from the war. The great increase of American children being born led to a field day for toy companies. They came up with many new toys to entertain the youth of the 1950s. Such things like the Frisbee, Silly Putty, the Slinky, the Hula Hoop, and the skate board were all concieved during this time. Also, families, with their children moved into projects, or suburbs as we now know call them, outside of the city. The Cold War was the only cloud in the sky during the 1950s. Numerous people built bomb shelters behind their suburbian homes. Other than bombings, people feared the influence of communism on the United States.

• Government & Politics

  McCarthy, a senator from Wisconsin, began to charge the State Department with containing Communist members in 1950.  He used further accusations in order to gain power in the government.  As Americans’ fear of Communism grew, Dwight D. Eisenhower, running for President, promised to stop Communist aggression and keep America’s sense of itself as a world superpower.  As television sets grew common, more and more Americans took an interest in politics, and the televised speeches and debates of candidates during elections grew in importance.  The nation’s image of a candidate became as important as his views on issues. Dwight D. Eisenhower was a modern republican. This meant that he believed in republicanism, however with some reason and extensive "wiggle room".

• Law &  Justice

       It seemed that there was a 128 percent increase in crime from 1940 to 1960. However, this statistic was misleading. Because of more stringent laws and formalities in police stations, more crimes were reported that would not have been if they had occurred several years earlier. The gangster was especially fascinating to Americans, who read of fictional and real in books and newspapers. Although the judicial system became more equal, there were definite biases in favor of rich white people who were obviously “loyal” to America. In addition, few states provided public defenders to represent those who could not afford their own lawyers.

   

• Religion

       During the 1950’s, Americans had great, rising interest in religion. About 60% of citizens claimed they went to a weekly religious service, and donations given towards religious causes were at an all time high. One can notice an obsession with religion even in the general culture of the common man. For example, books with religious times became the new best selling books and Hollywood consistently focused on the theme of religion in order to attract vast numbers of people. Consequently, politicians realized the significance of religion on the life of an American and incorporated phrases such “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and the motto “In God We Trust” was placed on the dollar. Furthermore, the advertising Council encouraged people into being involved with religion by praying together as a family, and attending church on Sunday.

       Another significant movement that occurred during this era was the merging of many groups under Christianity whose differences no longer possessed relevance. For instance, the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the United Evangelical Lutheran Church combined, making the American Lutheran Church, while the Northern Presbyterians and the United Presbyterians joined, creating the United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. Also, during the 1950’s, the Roman Catholic Church lost its image of an immigrant church   and grew in popularity.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Where I Lived: Brought up in Abilene, Kansas

                        Stationed in Texas as a West Point second lieutenant

Website: Whitehouse Biography - Dwight D. Eisenhower

http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/hall/eisen.htm

Date of Birth: October 14, 1890

Date of Death: March 28, 1969

Political Views: 

“[I] pursued the moderate policies of "Modern Republicanism," pointing out as he left office, "America is today the strongest, most influential, and most productive nation in the world.’”(160) Modern Republicanism consists of being more libral in domestic affairs and being more conservative in global affairs. Lower taxes, smaller government, and more state power compliment Modern Republicanism.

Religious Views: 

     - My mother was part of Jehovah's Witnesses, but I believe in a reformed christian way of life, Presbytarianism.

Years Served as President: 1953 - 1961

Occupations:

• Worked in a Creamery
• Major General of the army 
• President of the United States

Interests/Hobbies:

• Painting
• Smoking
• Photography
• Card games
• Sports 

Education:

• Abilene High School and Graduated in 1909
• West Point Military Academy and Graduated in 1915
• Command and General Staff School
• Army War College 
• Army Industrial College

Friends:

• Swede Hazlett

• Richard Nixon

• Gee Gerow

• Henry Knox

Sports:

• Baseball
• Football
• Hunting 

During my stint as president, the political, social and economic factors and challenges that I had to deal with (at home) included:

Political

• Eisenhower proposes International Atomic Energy Agency to gather atomic resources for peaceful use (1953)

• U.S.S. Nautilus - first atomic submarine - launched (1953)

• Shots fired by Puerto Rican Nationalists wound 5 members of the House of Representatives (1954)

• Supreme Court makes controversial decisions regarding loyalty, treason, and Communist Party membership (1957)

• The first underground nuclear explosion takes place on Nevada proving grounds (1957)

• American demand for technological and defense advances increases with the launch of first Soviet Sputnik (1957)

• First American satellite, Explorer I launched (1958)

• Eisenhower signs bill establishing National Aeronautics and Space Administration (1958)

• Eisnhower signs National Defense Education Act to provide loans for college students and encourage entry into teaching careers (1958)

• Alaska becomes the 49th state (1959)

• Hawaii becomes the 50th state (1959)

Social

• Eisenhower establish Department of Health, Education and Welfare (1953)

• Supreme Court reaffirms school integration (1955)

• Eisenhower ensures compliance with the Federal court as schools began to desegregate

• Orders desegregation of the Armed forces

• Bus boycott led by Martin Luther King begins in Montgomery, Indiana and lasts 54 weeks (1955)

• Eisenhower establishes The President's Council on Youth Fitness (1956)

• Eisenhower signs the 1957 Civil Rights Act to protect voting rights

• Sends federal troops to Little Rock, AK to enforce integration of African-American students (1957)

• Eisenhower warns the American people of the "military-industrial complex" in his Farewell Address to the Nation (1961)

Economic

• Eisenhower continued New Deal programs (implemented by FDR)

• Continued Fair Deal program (implemented by President Truman)

• Eisenhower focused on keeping a balanced budget

• Signed Federal Highway legislation to provide funds to build the interstate highway system (1956)

• Business recession hits; unemployment reaches 5 million before conditions improve (1957-1958)

• St. Lawrence Seaway opens (1959)

   

During my stint as president, the political, social and economic factors and challenges that I had to deal with (abroad) included:

Political

• Vice President Nixon attacked by anti-American demonstrators while in Latin America (1958)

• Joseph Stalin dies (1953)

• Korean War draws to an end (1953)

• U.S. troop no longer occupy Germany, unless contracted to do so. (1955

• U.S. military resumes aid to Yugoslavia. (1957)

Social

• President Eisenhower gives the Atoms for Peace speech at the United Nations conference. (1953)

• Congo gains independance from Belgium.

• The Southeast Asain Defense Treaty was signed (1954)

• Isreal invades Gaza Strip (1956)

• British and French military place attacks on Egyptian bases near the Suez Canal. (1956)

Economic

• Government is heavily invovled with the big three automakers

• exports outweigh imports

• consumer confidence in American goods sky rocket as quality and reliability are top notch.

Looking back at my presidential career, I had to wear several "hats."  Wearing these different "hats," these were my most significant achievements and failures:

Commander-in-Chief

Eisenhower used his position as president to end the Korean War, stop the Cold War from actually using the nuclear weapons, and avoided a war in Vietnam.  His caution in these areas created a view of him as a calm, solid leader.

Chief Executive

He often delegated powers to officials, allowing the Secretary of State to work more in foreign affairs and Sherman Adams to influence domestic problems.

Chief Diplomat

In 1953, Eisenhower ended the Korean War by diplomacy and negotiation, quickly reaching a settlement with the Chinese.

Ceremonial Head of State

To the people, Eisenhower represented America's trust in the government and flag.  His kindness and shrewd leadership helped him to gain admiration throughout the country.

Manager of the Economy

Eisenhower believed in allowing the economy to manage itself, doing little to help it along.  However, he warned against too much spending by the government and encouraged a balanced federal budget.

Party Leader

Both Republicans and Democrats suggested that Eisenhower run as a candidate.  Because of his more conservative views and the unpopularity of Democratic President Truman, he agreed to run as a Republican.  He worked with William Knowland, a Senate Republican leader, and Republicans easily controlled the Senate.

National Leader

During his presidency, Eisenhower was seen as a weak leader who did little in political affairs.  However, this was a public view of him that he created purposely.  By avoiding publicizing his influence in decisions that might not be popular, he stayed as a symbol of unity for America and was able to work towards change through wise delegation.

Favorite Quote About Me by a Famous Historian:

Eisenhower has a magic in American politics that is peculiarly his: he makes people happy.

-White, Theodore Harold

Highlights of Eisenhower's Farewell Address:

"We now stand ten years past the midpoint of a century that has witnessed four major wars among great nations. Three of these involved our own country. Despite these holocausts America is today the strongest, the most influential and most productive nation in the world."

"...America’s leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment."

Emphasized balance:

• in national programs
• between private and public economy
• between clearly necessary and comfortably desirable
• between the requirements of the nation and the duties imposed by the nation on the individual
• between the actions of the moment and the national welfare of the future

   

Encouraged good judgement in order to reach balance and progress.

"We pray that...in the goodness of time, all peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love."

Positive Political Cartoon

          This cartoon from Public Safety, in March of 1954, conveys the positive feelings towards the White House Conference on Highway Safety that that occured. President Eisenhower was the man to first promote the creation of the Interstate Highway System, also known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Eisenhower looked for ways to overcome the program's obstacles in its early years- such as the safety of it, and was thus referred to as The Father of the Interstate.These highways passed thought all major cities, promoting trade, suburbia, and the American tradition of road trips.

Negative Political Cartoon

With the emergence of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, the 1950s were a time of major civil rights reform throughout the United States, socially and through legislation. These protests often included sit-ins, marches, freedom rides- with the objective of showing American that African Americans deserve an equal right to protection and opportunity. Instead of using his moral authority as President to being this critical movement to light, he did not provide Congress with any leadership on these issues. His justification for this lack of involvement was exemplified when he said that that "you can't change the hearts of men by laws." This political cartoon, published in the Washington Post, depicts this aspect of Eisenhower as unsure and worried as to what to do in regards to protests.

     How did culture and the role of the president shape post-WWII America?

     The 1950s was a period of transition and revolution in the United States - everything from food and movies to technology and racial status was changing. The post-war economic boom lead to a decade of leisure and security; this resulted in a rapid increase in population, also known as the "Baby Boomers." New toys were invented and industries such as the film and fast-food industries grew.

     Many of these things are well known and still widely used today. Fast-food chains such as Mc Donald's, toys such as Etch-A-Sektch, Silly Putty, and the Frisbee, sports figures like Hank Aaron and Jackie Robinson, still play an important role in today's society. Even though Etch-A-Sketch, Silly Putty, and Frisbee were invented over 50 years ago, they are still popular among children today. Silly putty is commonly seen in toy isles of modern day stores. Frisbee is still popular among adults and teens throughout the nation; ultimate frisbee, disc golf, beach as well as backyard Frisbee games are popular. These can also be found at nearly any store, whether it is the local dollar store, corner store, or a bigger chain such as Target. Fast food has become so common and prevalent in the American as well as the global society. Mc Donald's, for example, has restaurants all throughout the United States, as well as foriegn countries. These can be seen in even remote cities and towns across the globe. Though the vast expanse of fast food chains seemed like a great business investment, many consequences resulted from the rapid spread of fast food. Obesity's main cause in America is the typical American's diet. Since fast food is so common it has become a regular place to eat for many, resulting in obesity and other health problems due to the poor nutritional value of fast food.

     National transportation also underwent a drastic change during the 1950s with the creation of the interstate system. When Eisenhower was in Germany during World War II, he observed the benefits they recieved from their renowned road system- the autobahn network. He realized that having a strong, realiable road system leads to increased mobility, increased trade and consequently more prosperity. Due to this influece and his power as President of the United States, he signed Federal Highway legislation, providing funds to build the interstate highway system in 1956. This resulted in increased travel across the nation and the creation of suburbs. There were also a large number of jobs suddenly available for the American people for helping build the roads. The auto industry boomed, giving rise to related industries such as steel, oil, gas stations and repair shops. Also, it was during this time that the American tradition of going on "road trips" began and was instantly a success. Eisenhower's creation of an interstate highway system can be considered as a turning point in the economic and social history of American people. 

As a result of the launch of Sputnik 1- the first artificial satellite by the Soviet Union- on  October 1^st, 1958, Eisenhower with the support of the Congress, created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This was because after the end of World War II, the United Stated and the Soviet Union took part in the Cold War, a war in which space exploration became a critical area of competition- today known as, the space race. By strongly encouraging the creation of NASA, Eisenhower not only initiated what would soon be one of the greatest scientific accomplishments- setting foot on the moon- but also created a great interest in outer space exploration in American people and beyond. Overall, the 1950s the marked the beginning of the federal government's continual efforts to meet the demands of the American people in producing innovative, groundbreaking technology. 

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