The American Dream in the 1940s and 1950s
I can assess the extent to which the American dream was experienced in the post-war period.
The American Dream in the 1940s and 1950s
I can assess the extent to which the American dream was experienced in the post-war period.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- American incomes rose during the post-war period.
- Americans began to buy more consumer goods after the end of WW2.
- Government policies were introduced in the 1940s to support economic growth.
- Many people were unable to live the American Dream.
- There were significant inequalities in 1940s and 1950s America.
Common misconception
Women experienced no economic improvements in the post-war period.
Female employment fell and women suffered from lower pay than men but average incomes for women did still rise.
Keywords
GDP - GDP is the total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year
Consumerism - consumerism is a situation where growing amounts of non-essential goods are sold and purchased
Tariff - a government tax on imports into a country is called a tariff
Inequality - inequality is a situation in which some groups in a society have more advantages than others
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year
where growing amounts of non-essential goods are sold and purchased
schemes where consumers buy products without full upfront payment