American Culture In The 1940's

During a time when the population was only around 132 million, versus today’s 318 million, and swing music would fill every room, the children were happier and families were richer. With no problems, society focused on entertainment and passion, leading to a decade of fads reminisced today. Inspiring today’s fashion and music, the 1940’s played an instrumental role in creating history in the American culture. While we still have reminiscence of the $43 billion debt from back then in our trillions, moments such as jitterbug dances and Casablanca reruns define the Swing Era. With life expectancy up in the sixties, people had years of life to live and make the world their own. With discoveries beyond Antarctica and news greater than Truman’s next

New toys and activities allowed people to escape their days. The most prominent was the Jitterbug, which was a popular dance form, geared toward teenagers. This allowed them to be free and gain independence. From these small Jitterbug clubs, teenagers got to stay out late and hang out with their friends. Teenagers, with the newfound freedom, began working. With more money to buy more stuff, inventions were geared toward this age group. Hence, their involvement boosted the economy. Since jazz music was already entrenched in American culture, dances such as the Lindy Hop and Jive employed over twenty musicians for a single dance. Famed artists of the era included Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller. To gear specifically to the children, the popular slinky was invented by Richard James. In 1945 the toy became so popular that the regular slinky, slinky worm, and slinky dog, which was portrayed in the Toy Story movie series, became staples in every child’s toy box. Another one of the great toys was fun for the kids, but irritating to the adults. The “pea shooter” was a plastic tube about an eighth of an inch in diameter and about nine inches long that was generally blue and green. The name was given because it was a perfect tool to shoot peas with. In addition, shows such as Jack Benny, The Lone Ranger, and The Ed Sullivan Show became household names. Stars like Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, and Katherine Hepburn were idolized for their celebrity status. Since they are still well known today, we can conclude that the 1940s entertainment business was one to be remembered. However, the famous of all was the first female animated star: Betty Boop. She had started out as a poodle in a Fleischer Studios animation series, but she slowly became a human. She eventually got her own series of animated shorts and Sunday paper comics. Her bubbly personality inspired legends such as Marilyn