Question 1

The chapter introduction uses the automobile as a symbol for the 1950s in order to make the point that

Accepted Answer

The automobile symbolized the 1950s as it represented the culture of mobility, abundance, and the movement to the suburbs, which were key characteristics of that era.

Question 2

An earlier chapter pointed out that by 1920, more than half the American population lived in urban places. By 1960, 40 years later, half the population lived in

Accepted Answer

By 1960, a significant portion of the American population had moved to the suburbs, reflecting post-war suburbanization trends.

Question 3

All of the following help explain the rise of suburbia EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

"White flight" refers to the movement of white city-dwellers to the suburbs to escape the influx of minorities, not rural residents moving to metropolitan areas.

Question 4

Which of the following contributed to the explosive growth of suburbs?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following contributed to the...

Question 5

Which one of the following was NOT a major social or economic trend of the post-World War II era?

Accepted Answer

The post-World War II era was marked by significant social and economic changes, but there was not a cultural consensus enthusiastically supported by all segments of society. There were significant cultural and social tensions, including civil rights movements and generational divides.

Question 6

As Henry Ford had been to mass production of automobiles, so William Levitt was to the mass production of

Accepted Answer

William Levitt was known for revolutionizing the housing industry by applying mass production techniques to the construction of homes, similar to how Henry Ford revolutionized the automobile industry.

Question 7

American life in the 1950s has been described-then and since-as a time of "consensus."What does your text recognize as a dark side to this consensus?

Accepted Answer

The dark side of the 1950s consensus was the mindless conformity, where societal pressures led individuals to conform to prevailing norms and suppress individuality.

Question 8

Church membership in the 1950s

Accepted Answer

In the 1950s, church membership in the United States grew significantly, reaching more than half of the population for the first time in the twentieth century. This was a period of religious revival and increased church attendance.

Question 9

Religion in the 1950s was

Accepted Answer

Religion was a way for Americans in suburbia to maintain a sense of identity and community.

Question 10

Which stereotype of women was most common in the 1950s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1950s, the most common stereotype of women was that of being domestic and motherly, focusing on homemaking and raising children, reflecting the societal norms and expectations of that era.

Question 11

Popular design features that marked the houses of suburbia included

Accepted Answer

Split-level construction was a popular design feature in suburban houses, offering a modern and efficient use of space.

Question 12

Alfred Kinsey's famous mid-century research dealt with

Accepted Answer

Alfred Kinsey's famous mid-century research dealt with human sexuality.

Question 13

Modern Republicanism in practice meant

Accepted Answer

Modern Republicanism emphasized fiscal conservatism, focusing on balancing budgets and reducing government spending.

Question 14

The form of corporate growth used to minimize shocks in specific markets, used when General Electric entered markets for appliances, X-ray machines, and elevators, is known as

Accepted Answer

Diversification is a growth strategy where a company enters into new markets or industries, often to reduce risk and minimize shocks in specific markets. General Electric's entry into various markets like appliances, X-ray machines, and elevators exemplifies diversification.

Question 15

What phrase did President Eisenhower coin to describe the vulnerable neighbors of a country like Vietnam threatened with a Communist takeover?

Accepted Answer

President Eisenhower coined the term "domino theory" to describe how the fall of one country to communism could lead to the spread of communism to neighboring countries, like a row of dominoes falling over.

Question 16

For corporations in the 1950s, diversification and conglomeration were

Accepted Answer

During the 1950s, corporations pursued diversification and conglomeration as strategies to protect themselves against economic downturns, such as major recessions, by spreading risk across different industries.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the domestic policy style of the Eisenhower era is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Eisenhower's presidency is characterized by a pragmatic and moderate approach, often referred to as "Modern Republicanism," which aimed to balance conservative and liberal policies.

Question 18

Which of the following was true at the height of the cold war in the 1950s?

Accepted Answer

During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence over newly independent nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, often referred to as the Third World, as part of their global ideological struggle.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the foreign policies of the Eisenhower era is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

The Berlin blockade occurred in 1948-1949, not during Eisenhower's presidency. The 1960 summit was canceled due to the U-2 incident, not the Berlin blockade.

Question 20

The "New Look"in cold war policy, identified with Eisenhower and John Foster Dulles, proclaimed a U.S. commitment to

Accepted Answer

The "New Look" policy emphasized deterrence through the threat of massive nuclear retaliation, rather than conventional military forces, to contain Soviet expansion.

Quiz 28: The Suburban ERA 1945-1963