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United Nations
International body formed in 1945 to bring nations into dialogue in hopes of preventing further world wars. Much like the former League of Nations, the UN was more realistic in recognizing the authority of the Big Five Powers in keeping peace in the world. Thus, it guaranteed veto power to all permanent members of its Security Council—Britain, China, France, the Soviet Union, and the United States. -
Employment Act of 1946
Made government policy "to promote maximum employment, production, and purchasing power." Created the Council of Economic Advisor to advise the president on economic issues. -
Levittown
An efficiently designed and constructed suburb that was standard and affordable. The first was constructed in NY's Long Island. Levittowns helped facilitate the movement of whites into suburbs following WWII. -
Baby Boom
A substantial increase in the birthrate from 1945-1960 that caused a demographic explosion, adding more than 50 million babies to the American population. The baby boomers would have a large impact on the U.S. markets. -
Cold War
The ideological struggle between communism (Soviet Union) and capitalism (United States) for world influence. This period was characterized by political/military tensions and an arms race between the U.S. and the U.S.R.R. The nations never declared war against each other but instead engaged in various indirect conflicts (Korean War, Vietnam War, etc.) -
New Frontier
1961-1963; President Kennedy's nickname for his domestic policy agenda. Buoyed by youthful optimism, the program included proposals for the Peace Corps and efforts to improve education and healthcare.
