The American Dream in the 1950s

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

1. Baby Boom- In the late 1940's and early 1950's the birthrate (number of live births per 1,000 people at its height in 1957. The one american infant was born every seven seconds and a total of 4,308,000 that year

2. Dr. Jonas Salk- Dr. Jonas Salk was a dr who developed a vaccine for the crippling disease Poliomyelitis commonly known today as Polio. This was a medical shot that helped protect children from childhood diseases such as typhoid fever.

3. Interstate Highway System- a system of roads that helped cities and towns along the highway prosper

4. Franchise- a company that offers similar products or services

5. In a paragraph, describe in detail how Americans spent their leisure time in the 1950s

In the 1950's Americans spent their leisure time by doing recreational pursuits both active and passive. Millions of people participated in such sports such as fishing, bowling, hunting, and golf. More fans than ever attended baseball, basketball, and football games. others watched professional sports on television. Americans also became avid readers. They read books about cooking, religion, do-it-yourself projects and homemaking. They also read mysteries, romance, and fiction by famous Ernest Hemingway