During the decade of 1950, American citizens desired for a decisive leadership. The president was ready to support and lead the nation. Ike was leading the country by his philosophy in which he believed that he should be liberal with people and conservative with their economy. Ike supported the Highway Act of 1956 which resulted in $27 billion dollars to build 42,000 miles of highways. Eisenhower practiced "the politics of tranquility" a new executive style that was quite different from the social activism of Roosevelt and Truman. Americans of both generations were eager to pursue the politics of tranquility.
Social conformity was also being played out during the 1950s. During the 1950s, America's Gross National Product increased 51%. GIs returning from World War II and Korea were eager to spend money and to have children. In the 1950s, 29 million new Americans were born. The birth rate of the United States was comparable to that of India. To meet the consumer demands of this increasing population, American industry expanded at an amazing pace and turned out new cars, clothing, Frisbees, and a plethora of other consumer items. During the 50s, women faced terrific hostility as many were convinced that the female's place was in the home, their actions were acceptable and met the traditional values of the nation.
Cultural conformity was also an aspect of the 1950's. The role of women and men and/or teen culture evolved. In the 1950's the