Social change in the USA in the 1950's

Authors Avatar

Why was America a ‘divided union’ in the 1950’s?

In the 1950’s America experienced a rapid economic growth due to many factors. This was after World War 2 and acted as a device to claim that America’s society was better than the USSR’s. As a result of this growth many American’s living standards increased, as is shown by surveys carried out at the time, showing that more American families could buy cars or TVs. Yet under the surface of American society in the 50’s there was change between many opposing social groups, such as blacks and whites, men and women, and the city and suburban areas, leading to many divisions.

Join now!

After WW2 America was the richest society in the world, due to most war damage being in Europe and Asia, and not having to pay compensation to any countries as a result of the war. This gave America a head start after the war to get back to the prosperity it had enjoyed before the Great Depression and war.

In society, women and blacks had been of much use to the US labour system to produce resources for the country, and to fight for their country in Asia and Europe. Their newfound freedom in work and society was oppressed ...

This is a preview of the whole essay