McCarthyism Impact on Society - McCarthyism was a variation of witch hunts that targeted people who spoke about or were suspected of having communist ideas. Anxiety over domestic communism intensified. Top leaders and representatives were being arrested left and right because they had communist connections or conspiracies. Actors, producers, directors, and writers were accused of using film for Communist Propaganda
Communist "Witch Hunt" & Impact on Accused - Those who were accused were immediately executed
Space Race Impact on Gov't Policies - In 1957, after the Soviets launched Sputnik 1 into space, the U.S. poured large amounts of money into education in hopes of outdoing the Soviets.
Cold War for U.S. Government & Public Mindset - The competition was then moved to outer space where the U.S. , once the world's technology pacesetters, felt vulnerable when the Soviets launched the Sputnik satellites. From then on the U.S. vowed that they would come out on top both in the Cold War and in outer space. Many space programs were passed and eventually led to Neil Armstrong to land on the Moon.
Suburbs, Automobiles, and Roads - With suburbs being built, families are now moving in, living the American Dream. William Levit planned cities were houses were being built at rates of 150 houses per week. These houses would all look the same, and each family that moved in had 2 cars each, equalling about 25M vehicle registrations in 45. From this, the Interstate Highway Act was est. in 1956 to spend $32B to build 41k miles of road.
Baby Boom - From 1946 to 1960, with the peak between '51-'55, babies were born in the millions. On average, 1 baby was born every 7 seconds. Which means, in one day, about 12,343 babies are born, and 4.5 Million a year!
Urban-Suburban Pattern - Suburbs were built in a pattern where the low income, Business district is located in the inner city. Surrounding that is the suburbs, middle class/income families. Then the high income suburbs where mortgage and rent is much higher and is the farthest away from the city based on location.
GI Bill - Congressional bills enacted to provide funds for college educations, home-buying loans, and other benefits for armed-services veterans
Expansion of Middle Class - Companies wanted to make money so they made their products cheap so that they can bring in a large amount of consumers. Advertising had an impact on consumers buying because people now had money and they bought things that weren't a necessity. They just bought because they wanted it, not because they need it.
