As you can see- I'm just painting the broad strokes and personal observations- details will follow. We covered almost 50,000. years in Post #1- and can't expect too many details from a one-page post. As the posts progress the details will make the picture clearer- but at this point I'm really just making these generalities to prove a point.1908 to 1958 was another block of incredible change at an accelerated rate. We witnessed inter continental flight, two world wars, the Great Depression, the stock market crash of 1929, prohibition, the fall of Germany as a major power, the emergence of America as a super-power, the dust bowl, and the era in which the American dream was at its finest (the 50s
Coming out of the first decade of the 20th Century development of America was greatly aided by the use of rails. Florida was transformed into a vacation paradise. Some of the great industrialists continued their march to prosperity aided by conditions that allowed them to prosper in an era where the outlook had changed to one of anything being possible. As technological advances accelerated self-imposed limitations vanished. Man in flight has smashed pre-conceived notions about what was possible.
As we entered the 20s a new era of affluence was upon the investing class. The 'roaring 20s' offered a chance for a daring man with a dream the fuel to bring it to fruition. Shares were offered and traded and Wall Street was on fire. Construction was booming and cities throughout America were flourishing. Detroit, Los Angeles, Boston, New York, New Orleans, and so many others were bringing new energy and vast wealth to those that dared to dream big.
Along with the Industrial Revolution we had also had a wave of immigration and large Eastern Cities were full of new cultures. In those days a person had to make huge sacrifices to come to America and an often guaranteed path of poverty for years just to be here. Naturally, we attracted motivated individuals with strong minds and bodies. Our melting pot was at its finest and the creative synergies it brought together were dynamic. We were able to bring the best ideas from all corners of the globe and put them to work for one mission; making a better life.
Unfortunately, the more rapid the rise in any market- the harder the fall. Everything peaked in 1929 in the great stock market crash. Unlike modern times many stock was margined up to 90% (in stock)- and quickly lost everything. Those that were smart enough to see the writing on the wall- were no in possession of a valuable commodity- CASH. Many of those with the foresight to take their 'chips off the table' when they still had time- went on to become incredibly wealthy.
Our economy was in a tailspin and this country suffered as a whole more than at virtually any time in decades. To make matters worse the dust bowl devastated the lives of millions of Americans for the better part of the 30s. Life was bad- very bad.
Along came Adolph. Adolph had been bouncing around for a number of years in Munich. Adolph had a problem with anything or anyone Jewish. He was not a big fan and decided that he was going to do something about it. This, in turn, led to WWII- which led to our involvement.
It was the period starting in the early 40s that cemented our position as a manufacturing giant. Within a matter of months our entire country mobilized more so than at any time in history. We, again, made the best use of our materials and resources - and were able to outfit all branches of the military. Americans were one and the 40s demonstrated what a cohesive unit we WERE.
After WWII it was obvious that we had taken the throne away from Great Briton as the world's number one superpower in virtually every category. America was a liberator and most of the world loved us. For the rest of the world America represented advancement, freedom, liberty, and opportunity. People felt good and started having babies.
The term baby boomer applies to those born from 1946 and the early 60s. This is a large group of Americans- roughly 79 million strong (b. 1946-1964). This is also the most significant group for several reasons - most of which we will cover in subsequent posts.
America once again proved its desire to spread and defend liberty and freedom during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Once again we were viewed as a force for good by much of the world.
The 50s - more than any other decade - represent the most idyllic version of the American Dream. This was the family unit before widespread divorce. This was an era before therapists and divorce attorneys. This was an era of a home cooked meal and the local drive in. The American manufacturing might put two cars in many garages and gave us beautiful appliances that made our lives more convenient. There was a period of relative stability. Yes, there was the start of the cold war and fallout shelters- but for the most part- America was free of drug abuse, mass violence, overcrowded prisons, overburdened social programs, and a culture clash. People that had come here had assimilated and were proud to be American- and the rest of the world pretty much respected us.
Resources were plentiful, and we were the envy of the rest of the world. It seemed that life was good. American life continued to be stable throughout the 50s ....Lets take a break at 1958.
