The assignment is to: 1. List and discuss four changes in the lifestyles of some Americans during the post-World War 2 era. 2. Describe the major American foreign policy decisions concerning Vietnam between 1945 and 1966 under the administrations of: Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. 3. Answer the question, Was the Vietnam War a "poor man's" war? Explain.
             Question 1. "Veterans returning from the World War 2 rapidly made the transition to the civilian work force or used the GI Bill to become better educated and, as a result, secure better jobs than they had held before the war." The family income rose 49 percent during the years between 1950 and 1960. "The number of registered automobiles more than doubled between 1945 and 1955, and the American automobile industry was virtually unchallenged by foreign competition." During this same time period, there was a vast production of "new home construction." In the 1950's, there were about 13 million homes built. "85 percent of them in the new and mushrooming suburbs." New homes usually needed a small down payment of 5 to 10 percent. "Between 1945 and 1950, the amount spent on household furnishings and appliances increased 240 percent, and most of these items were bought 'on time' (installments)." The television set was the most coveted item, which was the most nonexistent ite!
             m before the war. "Men were expected to work their way up the corporate ladder, tend their carefully manicured lawns, become accomplished barbecue chef, and serve their suburban communities as Boy Scout leaders or Little League coaches." Women were expected to do womanly chores. For example, aid the husband on their way up the corporate ladder, provide transportation to and from school, and make a happy home.
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