01 the fifties and sixties the big ideas briefly describe the postwar economic boom. what were the causes and effects of the "baby boom" of the 1950s? how did television change the u. s.? (hint: be sure to include the social, economic and political changes.) how did life change for african americans in the 1950s? how were women affected by the postwar boom? how did the beats influence the baby boomers?

Baby Boom

The baby boom was caused by the economic prosperity of the United States after World War II. After the war, the American economy was strong as ever. Unemployment rates were low, the GI Bill helped veterans get low interest home loans, and America was producing more goods than ever before. This economic stability helped veterans, as millions of couples rushed to get married after the war was over. These married couples than began families, resulting in the largest generation in American history. This resulted in women taking on a more traditional role of housewife during the 1950's.

African-Americans

African-Americans still struggled with racial discrimination on a consistent basis. This included segregated schools, churches, and other public places. Ultimately, the Supreme Court case Brown vs. Board of Education (1954) would call to an end of segregated public schools. Even though the Supreme Court ruled on this manner, there were still extremely high racial tensions in America.