1950s Technological Advances

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During World War II, the United States, as well as other nations, invested great amounts of money into scientific and technological research. This funding led to many technological advances that continued to be used and improved upon after the war and into the 1950s. New inventions helped make American lives easier both at home and at work, and created new sources of entertainment that stimulated a wealthy society. The new discoveries in science and technology greatly improved the daily lives of Americans in the 1950s and helped create an affluent society with comfort and prosperity as the norm. Many important scientific and technological discoveries were made in the 1950s that bettered the lives of Americans. An important scientific finding …show more content…

People increasingly bought new television sets as they became more affordable after the war, and by the end of the 1950s, ninety percent of American households owned a television. People watched news networks, educational programs, sporting events and entertainment shows, but most importantly, they watched series that illustrated the new American standard. Shows such as Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best display the well-off, suburban, and happy white families that spread the idea that living a life of affluence was the normal and best way to live in America. These shows also portrayed the ‘ideal woman’ of the mother and housewife who stays at home, as well as avoided thought-provoking programs that criticized American society, as they would cause accusations and controversy. Another extremely important invention that shaped society were new and improved automobiles. The new usage of synthetic rubber created a better alternative to using hard to find natural rubber, which helped manufacture tires. With increased wealth and consumers ready to buy, companies consistently produced millions of cars, each new model with improved features that would symbolize status in the 1950s. The new car led to new industries and entertainment for American families, such as drive-in restaurants, drive-in movie theaters, and the ability to take a nice ‘cruise’ out on the country with friends or family. The television provided a source of entertainment for American families, as well as displayed social norms that shaped society. The car allowed for increased travel and created new sources of entertainment, as well as contributed to the affluent society of the 1950s. These inventions greatly affected the daily lives of Americans who now spent indoors watching shows and outdoors in

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