American History Chapter 26-3

The Television Age

TV in the American Home• TV development began in the 1920s.– 1945 – 1950: 5 million TVs had been sold to Americans.– 1959: 40 million Americans owned a TV set.

• Impact of television:– TV stars like Lucille Ball became American icons.

– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvoz7cpUaZ4

Impact of TV Continued

• Politicians were able to enhance their images with the voters.

• By 1960 TV became the major means of advertising.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDk_TEM257k

TV Entertainment• The Milton Berle Show was a comedy/music combo.• Soap operas, crime dramas, & game shows began in

the 50s.• TV Guide was published to aid viewers.• Rock & roll made American Bandstand a favorite for

the youth of America.

Dick Clark American Bandstand

Concerns Over TV

• Possible impacts on children:– Effects of violent content.

• The TV industry created its own standards:– Law enforcement would be shown in a positive light.– Criminals would always be caught and punished.

Other Advancements in the 1950s

• The transistor was developed to replace vacuum tubes.– Smaller than tubes.– Used in radios, TVs, computers.

Computer Technology• 1951: UNIVAC - 1st computer made for commercial use.– Predicted the outcome of the 1952 election.– IBM produced computers: 30,000 lbs./$50,000.– Integrated circuits: Several transistors on one board,

developed in 1958.

The Fight Against Polio

• 1952: 57,000 new cases of polio in the U.S.• Jonas Salk developed the 1st polio vaccine in 1952.• Salk became a national hero.

1950s Cultural Changes• U.S. emerged as the world’s greatest economic power.– Americans produced 1/3 of the world’s goods & services.

• A growing population sparked the housing market.– Massed produced communities called Levittowns sprang up.

• Auto sales were up.

New Culture Continued• There was a population shift towards the Sunbelt:– Because of air conditioning people moved to warmer climates.

• The Interstate Highway System was built during the 50s.– Cars/trucks became the main means of ground transportation.

• The Beat generation: Stars who rebelled against social norms.

DeanElvis Brando

• Criticisms• John Kenneth Galbraith-felt

Americans only cared about their own wealth• Some felt the 1950s was a loss of

individuality