Sum of a Decade
Pitch Your Idea
The 1950s was a period of economic prosperity for many Americans, and the decade
brought with it advances such as computers and commercial airline travel. It was also a
time of a skyrocketing birthrate and the development of suburban America, along with
so much more. What one change do you think best defines the 1950s as a decade?
In this activity, you will work in a small group to design a plan for a museum exhibit
showcasing what you consider the change that best defines the decade. Then, you will
prepare a proposal to the museum curator detailing how you will highlight this change
in your exhibit and why your group has selected it.
Family Watching Television Together During the 1950s
Woolley, David. Parents and Children (6–8) Around Television in Living Room. The
Image Bank, Getty Images. Web.
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I. Evaluating Influences of the Decade
Examine the image of the family watching television together. Discuss the following
questions in your small group:
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How do you think the widespread popularity of television changed American life
and culture in the 1950s?
Do you think television is one of the most important influences/changes of the
decade? Why or why not?
II. Analyzing the 1950s
1. Study the video segments on the following pages to gain a better understanding of
life in the 1950s. Use the graphic organizer on the next page to outline information
about some of the important changes and developments of the decade. On the left
side, include information describing the specific change or development listed. On
the right side, include information about how this change or development affected
the United States. Why was it significant? You may also identify and describe a
change or development not already listed in the organizer.
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Change/Development
How It Defines the 1950s
Population Boom
Suburbia
Television/Consumer Products
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Change/Development
How It Defines the 1950s
Cold War/Red Scare/McCarthyism
Rock ‘n’ Roll Music
Other Change or Development:
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Video Segments from America in the 20th Century: The Post-War Years
“1950s: Home life, Suburban Sprawl, and the Baby Boom”
This video segment provides an overview of some of the social and economic changes
that took place in the 1950s, including the growth of suburbia.
“Consumerism, Company Men, and Car Culture”
This video segment gives examples of the products that became popular in the
consumerist society during the 1950s.
“Television and Cold War Fears”
This video segment discusses television as the leading mass-media entertainment of the
1950s and as a way to spread propaganda about the Cold War.
“The Age of the Teenager”
This video segment describes the teenage culture of the 1950s and their pastimes,
including rock ‘n’ roll.
Video Segments from American History: World War II: Causes and
Consequences
“The Boom Years: Upward Mobility vs. the Migrant Poor”
This video segment discusses the economic boom experienced in the United States
during the 1950s, as well as the plight of the poor and migrant workers in the nation.
“A Changing America: Automobiles, Suburbia, and Civil Rights”
This video segment describes the automobile and suburbia as symbols of the American
Dream after World War II.
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Video Segments from America in the 20th Century: The Cold War
“Red Scare and HUAC”
This video segment discusses the scare of communism and the government UnAmerican Activities Committee.
“McCarthyism”
This video segment describes McCarthyism at the height of anticommunism fervor in
the 1950s.
Video Segments from History in Focus: 1950–1959
“How We Lived”
This video segment discusses home bomb shelters and the reaction to the Korean War,
as well as the economic boom of the 1950s.
“Science and Technology”
This video segment focuses on technological and medical advances during the 1950s.
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2. Which development or change do you think best defined the 1950s? Use the space
below to identify the change/development that you think defined the 1950s and
provide at least three reasons why, using evidence from the sources to support your
response.
I think ____________________________________________
defined the 1950s because . . .
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III. Planning Your Exhibit
1. Choose the development/change to showcase in your museum exhibit and use the
planning chart below to prepare a proposal to the museum curator detailing how you
will highlight your chosen topic in your museum exhibit.
In one or two sentences, use the space below to clearly identify the development/
change from the 1950s your group will be showcasing in the museum exhibit.
In one or two sentences, use the space below to clearly define why your group has
chosen this topic.
What types of artifacts will you include in your museum exhibit?
Explain how these artifacts will highlight the chosen topic.
In one or two sentences, provide a concluding statement that reiterates your group’s
perspective and makes a convincing argument why the curator should follow your plan
for the museum exhibit.
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2. Use your planning chart to draft a letter to the museum curator that clearly states
your group’s choice for the topic you will be showcasing, how you will highlight this
topic in the museum exhibit, and the reasons why your group’s plan is the best one
for an exhibit on the 1950s.
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