Robert Frank's Revolutionary Photos of Everyday America

Abstract

After the turmoil and struggle of World War 11, the 1950s have often been seen as a time of ease, consumerism, and low unemployment. Americans were happy and optimistic. Cars, televisions, kitchen appliances, and other consumer goods became easily accessible to millions of Americans during this period. Jobs were easily obtained, unlike the preceding era marked by the Great Depression, and wages were higher. Many considered and still consider the 1950s as the golden era of America. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had helped lead the United States to victory in World War 11, was president, and an immensely popular one at that. He was charismatic, had a winning smile, and reassured the masses that American prosperity would continue. President Eisenhower was viewed as a calm and endearing leader, which helped him become a fixture of stability in the 1950s. To many, there were endless opportunities during this decade, but it also had its downfalls. There was still segregation, teem rebellion, the threat of communism, and war. The 1950s, like every other decade, faced various problems, but the majority would look back on it "warmly." As the following photograph indicates, everyone seemed to like Ike, and America was a time of "happy days."