The American Dream in the 1950's

Title: The American Dream in the 1950s Labels: Baby_Boom, Eisenhower, Interstate_system

This is due tomorrow prior to class.


For each term or name, write a concise sentence or two explaining its significance.

1. Baby Boom
A baby boom is when the birthrate over a certain period of time (like a few decades) is unusually high which occurred right after WWII
2. Dr. Jonas Salk
Dr, Jonas Salk developed the vaccine for the crippling disease polio.

3. Interstate Highway System
The interstate highway system was 41,000 miles of highway across the nation linking major cities and suburbs to workplaces, schools and shopping centers.


4. Franchise
Franchises were companies with multiple location spread over a distance, offering similar service and products (McDonald's is an example).

5. In a paragraph, describe in detail how Americans spent their leisure time in the 1950s
In the 1950's, Americans had more leisure time than ever. Americans were able to participate in leisure sports such as golf, bowling and fishing. Americans were also able to attend sporting events more frequently than ever and filled up football and baseballs stadiums. Americans also began reading frequently, often books by popular authors such as Daphne du Maurier, JD Salinger, Earnest Hemingway and John Steinback. They also began reading magazines like Sports Illustrated. Comic books became popular and so id televised sports programs. Many Americans also began to take on do-it-yourself projects. Leisure time in the 1950's allowed americans to engage in a wide variety of pursuits.