The American Dream in the 1950s

For each term or name, write a concise sentence or two explaining its significance.

1.Baby Boom- After WWII, the soldiers returning from war that were settling into family life who contributed to an unprecedented population explosion.

2. Dr. Jonas Salk- The doctor that developed a vaccine for the crippling disease known as polio.

3. Interstate Highway System- An act that was authorized by Eisenhower that authorized the building of a nationwide highway network that was 41,000 miles of expressway.

4. Franchise- A system when a company offers similar products or services in many locations such as McDonalds. In places like McDonalds the franchise would send money and products to the locations so that the owner could run the business.

5. In a paragraph, describe in detail how Americans spent their leisure time in the 1950s
In the 1950s the average American was given more time that they could spend on their leisure once given 40-hour weeks and vacation time. It also helped them to have more leisure time when people began to own labor-saving devices such as washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and power lawn mowers. Once they were given more time they could use it to enjoy sports such as fishing, bowling, hunting, boating and golf. Also many Americans became fans and attended baseball, basketball and football games and also watched professional sports games on their televisions.