Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1945 1980: The Great Society
A quick comprehension check over the "Great Society" of the 1950s.
Calisphere: University of California Libraries
Calisphere: Social Reform 1950s 1970s: Everyday Life From Postwar to Protest
Original photographs show everyday life in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
Wessels Living History Farm
Living History Farm: Farming & Rural Life in the 1950s & 60s
During the 1950s and 1960s, farmers had serious challenges but those who stayed made pretty good money due to agricultural advancements.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1945 1980: Women in the 1950s
Learn about the myths and realities of women's lives during the 1950s.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Victoria & Albert Museum: Introduction to 20th Century Fashion
Learn about the history of clothing in the 1900's. Includes images, a discussion of prominent designers and the impact of cultural events upon fashion.
OpenStax
Open Stax: u.s. History: 29.4 Challenging the Status Quo
Page form U.S. History e-book focusses on the culture of the 1960s and the rise of protest organizations challenging the status quo during that decade. Site contains questions for review, critical thinking, and glossary.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: 1968: A Time of Change
Explore how the events and cultural and political changes that occurred in 1968 came to represent the upheaval and dramatic changes in American life during the 1960s.
SparkNotes
Spark Notes: Social Trends of the 1950s
Spark Notes gives a brief overview of the 1950s from consumerism and conformity to poverty to youthful rebellion. A good review of this important decade in American history.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Understanding Television
A course from MIT on the cultural history of television. Includes readings, assignments, exams, and videos of lectures.
PBS
The Sixties: The Years That Shaped a Generation
Companion Web site to the PBS series. Provides an overview of the pivotal events, culture, and politics of the Sixties. Links to lesson plans and related material for a more in-depth study.
A&E Television
History.com: Barbie Through the Ages
Take a look at Barbie's cultural revolution through the decades. Barbie's official birthday is March 9, 1959 -- the day she was officially introduced to the world. Handler always saw Barbie as a reflection of the times, with the first...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Land of Television
The advent of increased television programming helped create a national popular culture. Read about the many kinds of television programs offered in the 1950s.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Voices Against Conformity
The decade of the 1950s was kown for conformity. There was an undercurrent of rebellion, especially among younger Americans. Read about the Beat Generation, alternative literature, rebellion in art, and treatment of those who were not...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: 1950s vs. 1920s
[Free Registration/Login Required] This is an interactive Venn Diagram activity that allows students to compare and contrast the era of the 1950s with the era of the 1920s.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: America Rocks and Rolls
Read a brief history of rock and roll and its roots. See why this form of music shook the establishment and shattered the idea of conformity.
Duke University
Duke University Libraries: Digital Collections: Ad Views
A record of the times as well as of vintage brands, AdViews provides access to commercials created during the postwar period, 1950s through 1980s.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: The Legacy of Mc Carthyism
An essay addressing the ramifications of false accusations made against academics, politicians, and cultural figures during the McCarthy Era. Read about the consequences not only for the individuals but for society in general.
Other
Fifties Web
Explore popular culture of the 1950s and 1960s. Learn about the cars, tv shows, music, fashion, pop history, slang, and celebrities of those eras.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1945 1980: The Dark Side of Suburbia
Some background information that sheds light on how suburbia wasn't paradise for everyone especially women and African Americans in the 1950s and 60s.
Art Cyclopedia
Artcyclopedia: Artists by Movement: Pop Art
A site with artists and links to the Pop Art movement of the 1950s and 60s. There are links to museums with great images.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Themes: Pete's Postcard
Journey through America's past with Pete as he hitchhikes across the country while viewing the postcards written to his then fiance Dot that highlight his adventures on the road.
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 8: An Age of Confidence and Anxiety
This extensive learning module examines the United States' response to the global uncertainty and instability that followed World War II and the ways that marginalized groups challenged discrimination, and the counter-responses to their...
Oklahoma State University
Chronicles of Oklahoma: Custer's Hunting Horse [Pdf]
A biographical sketch of a Kiowa Native American named "Hunting Horse" who lived from 1846 to the 1950's and for a time served with General George Custer as a scout. The article gives cultural details on the life of the Kiowa.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Beat Movement
This encyclopedia entry surveys the Beat movement in American literature and culture during the 1950s and early 1960s, which was personified by such writers as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs.