The Mood of the 1950s

Ch. 27 Section 2

America Values Security over

Adventure Conformity Comfort Prosperity Opportunities for the

next generation

Comfort and Security “Always stay on track no matter what”

Youth Culture The “Silent Generation”

High school education Few worked, only part time

Small shops, paperboys, babysitters Targeted by business Prepared for the future

Boys: college or business Girls: marriage and family

Religion Renewed interest in Religion

Against “godless communism” Hope against nuclear war

National level 1954: “under God” added to

pledge 1955: “In God we trust” on all

currency Billy Graham

Men and Women’s Roles Men

Go to school Find a job Support their family Make important

decisions that effect home, community, nation, and the world

Women Play a supporting role Get some education Get married Tend the home and

raise a family Be involved with the

community

Challenged to Conformity Women at Work

Continuing rise of married women working

Wanted to buy items of “the good life”

Youthful Rebellions Challenging the beliefs of their

parents Movies: Rebel Without a Cause Music: Rock and Roll Literature and Art: Beatniks

Rock and Roll Music which grew out of

Rhythm-and-Blues Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee

Lewis, Buddy Holly Elvis Presley

The “King of Rock and Roll”

Older Generation Opposed Immorality Leveling the Races

Beatniks The “Beat Generation”

Writers, artists, and other participants

Promoted spontaneity Challenge the traditional

and shocked the normal Open use of sexuality and

illegal drugs