- Examine multiple sources presented in different media and formats to explain the impact of the baby boom generation on the American economy and culture.
In this task you will learn about the emergence of the "Baby Boomer" generation and the impact this generation would have on the future, especially regarding the emergence of "teenagers" and modern pop culture.
The period from approximately 1945-1965 is known as the "baby boom". After 1945 and the end of World War Two, millions of soldiers came home. Also during this time, the United States was entering into a period of economic prosperity. This time of prosperity was a perfect time for a happy couple to get married, settle down, and have a family. The result was the Baby Boom, resulting in the largest generation born in U.S. history. 2.4 million babies were born in 1946 alone. By 1964 there would be 72.5 million baby boomers. In 2014, the Millennial Generation overtook the Baby Boomers as the largest living generation, aided by an influx of immigration, making the Millennials a much more diverse generation as well.
1. What caused the "Baby Boom"? 2. What years encompass the "Baby Boom"? |
In this task you will learn about the impact of media on the Baby Boomer generation. From the 1950's on, media has played a major role in the lives of many Americans, especially...TEENAGERS ! Let's try analyzing this intriguing phenomenon...
Watch and listen to Chuck Berry's "School Days" and answer the questions on your lesson worksheet.
Image Analysis: Times change. Compare the two images below by answering the questions on your lesson worksheet.
Economic Analysis: Look at the table below for a teenage boy's weekly income in 1946 versus 1956. Keep in mind that $1.00 in 1956 is roughly equivalent to $9.00 in purchasing power today. Using this information, answer the questions on your lesson worksheet.
Image Analysis: Advertising. Compare the two images below and answer the questions on your lesson worksheet.
Investigate: 1950's Teen Culture. Read this article from LIFE magazine, 1956. Answer the questions on your lesson worksheet. Then investigate online and find three images of popular teen products from the 1950's and copy/paste them into the spaces in your worksheet. Fifties Web has lots of "cool" information on popular culture of the 1950's.
Making Connections to the Past: Since the modern teenager emerged in the 1950's, how have teenagers evolved? What makes you as a teenager today similar yet different from teenagers of the 1950's? Using the table on your lesson worksheet, compare and contrast 1950's teenagers to teens today.