Final exam essay

A “culture of consensus” emerged during the 1950s. How did efforts to contain communism at home, the post-World War II economic boom (including the effects of the GI Bill), and the expansion of consumer credit contribute to this “culture of consensus.” What did it mean to be “American” in the 1950s? How did the youth and civil rights movements challenge this consensus? Use the provided lecture notes, Exploring American Histories, LaunchPad Documents, and the essay “The G.I. Bill” to write a complete answer.