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American History Chapter 2 6-3 The Television Age

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

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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

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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.

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Dick Clark American Bandstand

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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.

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Other Advancements in the 1950s The transistor was developed to replace vacuum tubes. Smaller than tubes. Used in radios, TVs, computers.

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Computer Technology 1951: UNIVAC - 1 st 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.

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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.

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1950s Cultural Changes U.S. emerged as the worlds greatest economic power. Americans produced 1/3 of the worlds goods & services. A growing population sparked the housing market. Massed produced communities called Levittowns sprang up. Auto sales were up.

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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. Dean Elvis Brando

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Criticisms John Kenneth Galbraith-felt Americans only cared about their own wealth Some felt the 1950s was a loss of individuality