Political Climate of the 1950
By: Kevin • Essay • 835 Words • April 23, 2010 • 1,126 Views
Political Climate of the 1950
In the beginning of McCarthyism, Republican Joseph R. McCarthy had no intentions on being truthful when it came to politics. After my reading, I found that Mr. McCarthy took advantage of an opportunity at the cost of other communist dignity. The McCarthyism began in the 1950’s when information was given to Mr. McCarthy by the FBI and the information was used against others. McCarthy was known for “the list”, which caused fear in both Democratic and Republicans. Acts of McCarthyism was televised for the nation to witness. Shortly after his reckless ride, McCarthyism ended after he began an investigation on the Army.
From my reading, Dynamic Conservatism was a basic action taken by Eisenhower. Eisenhower felt a need to control or conserve governmental finances also controlling people lives or way of living liberally. Eisenhower increased unemployment insurance, minimum wage and increased social security. He also supported big business with the government. Such as the St. Lawrence Seaway Act and the Highway Act. Eisenhower rejected other extensive liberal propositions such as; Farming, housing and healthcare. The support payments were decreased per Eisenhower’s secretary of agriculture. The farmers were forced out of business by automatic harvesters. Eisenhower was good with saving money and cutting budgets.
The term “Politics of Consensus” explains the values of the broad middle class. Politics of Consensus also gathered all the information from each side of the political parties to develop laws and regulations. Consensus also reflects the agreement among Americans regarding their political values. On a darker side, consensus also shed light on the Americans that showed depression in material possessions, places they lived and certain values. Everyone was not in agreement of the consensus act. Most believed that consensus caused to much unnecessary conformity. On the, other hand, the baby boomers were in agreement because they were already pre occupied with other issues. With consensus in play, people did not have decided on certain issues or aspects of life. Teenagers could focus on which college to attend.
During the time Eisenhower was in office, his Administration the consumerism took a downward turn. Eisenhower supported many Acts such as the St. Lawrence Seaway Act and the Highway Act; however, there were some movements he was not supportive of. He was not supportive of the Civil Rights Movement which caused him to loose votes from the African American ethnic group. Eisenhower expanded highways drawing in people who eventually resulted into the “suburbs”. After getting the Highway Act approved by Congress, the largest public works development project in history began. The car business took off and so did the suburbs. Both industries boomed because of the baby boomers. With the people who live in the suburbs, their cars were their main means of transportation. Most cities had ring roads that redirected the traffic from major urban areas. Government