The American Dream in the 1950s

Read Chapter 27, section 2. (pages 847-855)
1. Baby Boom
When soldiers returned from WWII, there was a big population explosion called the baby boom, during the 1940s-1960s, and the birthrate soared. This was the largest generation in the nation's history.

2. Dr. Jonas Salk
He developed a vaccine for polio.

3. Interstate Highway System
Since many people were buying cars and commuted to cities for work, the local and state governments constructed roads linking major cities connecting to schools, shopping centers and workplaces to residential suburbs.

4. Franchise
A company that offers similar products or services in many locations.

5. In a paragraph, describe in detail how Americans spent their leisure time in the 1950s

In the 1950s, Americans had a lot more leisure time than they had before. There were labor saving devices like washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and lawn mowers. Americans spent their leisure time playing sports, attending sports games or watched television. Also, many Americans read and cooked.