Why was there a consensus culture during the 1950s? a. An increase in prosperity and income inequality was lower than it was at the end of the 19th century or at the beginning of the 21st century. b. The Cold War, especially the hysteria of the 1950s Red Scare, encouraged people to agree with the government for fear of being seen as a communist. c. A majority of Americans were able to live middle class lives and many moved to the suburbs. d. All of the above.