714 – 719 Analyze editorial cartoons about the post-war period.

1. 714 – 719 • Analyze editorial cartoons about • the post-war period. • Describe conditions in the United • States in the post-WWII era.

2. The Great Boom (Post-WWII) Analyzing Political Cartoons: • Time and place • Symbolism • Background knowledge • What does this cartoon suggest about the post- war world? - The use of atomic weapons might lead to an uncertain future…

3. The Great Boom (Post-WWII) Directions: • Each group will have approximately 45-60 seconds to discuss and analyze the cartoon. • Write down and label your analysis in your notebook: • Cartoon # ___: • Meaning: (What Issue is described?)_______ • Symbolism: __(Explain 2 examples used)______ • Pass your group’s cartoon clockwiseto your neighboring group.

10. Mail man Mail man “I’m Mrs. Ed Barnes, where do I live?”

11. The Great Boom (Post-WWII) Changes/Issues Facing Post-War America: • Shortages of everything from groceries to cars to housing which caused a fear of inflation in the economy. • Concern over the developing Cold War due to the Soviet Union imposing Communist regimes in Europe while the U.S. protected democratic style governments. • The U.S. began to act as international police officer as protector of democracies in the world rather than be isolationist. • Cold war also created the need for defense spending which stimulated the economy. • Left wing, radical ideas grew taboo and unacceptable as well due to the threat of the Cold War (Communism). • Racial discrimination continued. • Laborstrikeserupted.

12. Solutions: 1. Economic Policy: The Employment Act of 1946: • It defined economic growth and high employment as national goals. • Created the “Council of Economic Advisors” to assist the president.

13. 2. The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 to reduce strikes. - UMW John L. Lewis opposed it, Truman tried to veto it, but failed. - Attack by big business on unions: - blocked the “closed shop” - prevented boycotts - unions had to swear there were no communist members - “cooling off” period imposed before a union could strike

14. Solutions: • 3. The G.I. Bill • Serviceman’s Readjustment Act • (1944) • Guaranteed Loans to veterans • to purchase homes as part of • the V.A. mortgage program. • Paid tuition, books, stipends • for veterans to attend college.

15. Levittown • - William Levitt built development • in 1947 using “mass production” • techniques which provided • affordable, low cost housing. • - Long Island, New York • - Basic house was 800 sq. ft., • two bedrooms, living room, bath • and kitchen. (unfinished attic)

17. Results of the Housing Boom? • Home ownership soared • Housing starts peaked at two million (1950) • By 1950, 55% of Americans owned a home • Problems • Isolated women and children in suburbs and • African-Americans were excluded. • “redlining”- refusal of banks/insurance • companies to give loans/insure • properties in urban areas. • “white flight”- white collar workers leaving.

20. 5. Steps Towards Civil Rights Solutions: • “Committee on Civil Rights” (1946) • The Justice Department began to support anti- segregation lawsuits filed by the NAACP. • “Equality of Treatment” Order to military (1948) • The public began to support desegregation in professional sports. 1947 Report on Civil Rights

21. Jesse Owen Joe Lewis Jackie Robinson

22. 6. Consumer and Baby Boom • Marriage rates increased. • The “Baby Boom”. • Early 1940s = average 2.9 mil. births • Late 1940s = average 3.5 mil. births

23. Newspaper editorial • Magazine advertisement • Marquette High School • policy/rule book

24. The Great Boom (Post-WWII) Which do you think was the greatest problem and why? • Housing shortage and inflation. 2. Cold War and re-arming of weapons. 3. Racial discrimination 4. Labor union unrest/strikes