American HistoryTopic: Conformity and Consensus in

the 1950s*2 Day Lesson

Learning Goal

Students will be able to explain, with specific historical examples, how the 1950s were both a decade of conformity AND rebellion.

Today you will be taking notes and 2 short quizzes/assessments

Rubric

4 I understand this well enough to teach it to my neighbor & I can explain with concrete historical examples how the 50s were a decade of both conformity and rebellion

3 I know enough to write a competent opening paragraph with concrete historical examples of conformity and rebellion

2 I get the concepts of conformity and rebellion but do not understand how the 50s shared both concepts

1 I do not understand any historical themes of the the 1950s

0 I’m not sure what year this is…

Cornell Notes

Conformity

Examples in the 1950s included:•Suburbs•Usage of Interstates•Levitowns•Baby Boom•Consumerism•“We Like Ike” Ad•The American Dream

Political Ad & Music Samples

“We Like Ike” Video

Elvis Presley: “Jailhouse Rock”

Chubby Checker: “Twist”

Chuck Berry: “Johnny B. Goode”

Little Richard: “Tutti-Frutti”

Quick Check for Understanding: Assessment a

Decide whether each event is an example of conformity or rebellion:

A) Youths listening to ElvisB) Buying a house in the suburbsC) Using a credit card to buy a TVD) Defying your parentsE) A non-violent “sit in” protestF) Rose Parks refusing to give up her seatG) Central High School / President EisenhowerH) Baby Boom

Cornell Notes

Rebellion

• Elvis Presley / Rock n Roll• James Dean: Rebel

Without a Cause• Catcher in the Rye, J.D.

Salinger• BB King• Beatniks• Anyone fighting for civil

rights

Cornell Notes

Political Concerns

• McCarthyism / Red Scare• Civil Rights• Brown v. Board of Education

(1954)• Pacifism / MLK Jr.• Ongoing Cold War• Korean War (1950-1953)• Central High School in Little

Rock• School Integration /

National Guard

Assessment b

Write an introductory paragraph for the FRQ prompt utilizing the 2-1-1 Method

2 Background Sentences

1 Thesis Sentence

1 Roadmap Sentence

You have 8 minutes. After the time is up, you will exchange with a neighbor and give them your evaluation of the paragraph.

When you get your paragraph back, track your progress on the Learning Goal handout

Back to the notes….

Dennis v. U.S. (1951)

Leaders of the American Communist party were jailed for advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government

In Dennis v. U.S., the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the 1940 Smith Act which made it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the govt. by force or to belong to such a group

Court ruled it was ok to teach about Communism, but not to “advocate” it as an ideology because that presented a “clear and present danger” (Schenck v. US – yelling fire in a crowded theater)

McCarren Internal Security Act (1950)

Over Truman’s veto, Congress passed the MISA. It had 3 provisions:

1) Made it unlawful to advocate the establishment of a totalitarian govt.

2) Restricted the employment and traveling of those joining Communist-front organizations

3) Authorized the creation of detention camps for subversives

HippoCampus Video on McCarthy

McCarthyism Video

McCarthy’s Tactics

He used constant unsupported accusations about Communists in government to keep the media focus on himself and discredit the Truman administration

He was 1) elevating own career AND 2) hoping to elevate Eisenhower campaign

Tactics

Middle-class Americans loved his “take the gloves off” approach with hard-hitting remarks aimed at the wealthy

His popularity soared so even President Eisenhower did not defend his close friend George Marshall (Marshall Plan) when McCarthy accused Marshall of being a communist

McCarthy’s Downfall

In 1954, McCarthy had accused the army of Communism and the Senate held a live TV hearing

McCarthy viewed as a bully by millions on ABC and is why ABC was able to become a major network

McCarthy could never prove his claims and he was discredited after verbally sparring with Army Counsel Joseph Welch

Anti-McCarthyism

Anyone opposed to his crusade against Communism

Many were fearful of his accusations which could lead to losing a job, being jailed, etc

2-1-1

The image associated with the 1950s was one of consensus and conformity. But rising up in the heart of society was rebellion. This rebellion was fueled by the restlessness of youths and the passion of civil rights activists.