The 1950s are sometimes thought of as America's bland decade, a decade when family life was stable and America's cities were safe. The economy was booming and most Americans enjoyed increased prosperity. Americans celebrated this prosperity by having babies in record numbers, continuing a surge in the population known as the "baby boom" that started when veterans returned home after World War II (1939–45). Growing numbers of Americans moved their families to new homes in developments, called suburbs, outside of cities. Sales of cars increased dramatically. Travel was made easier by the development of a national highway system that connected all of America's largest cities.

America celebrated its prosperity in a variety of ways. The energy of youth expanded American culture, as shown by the rise of a variety of toys and amusements for young people, including the Slinky, Silly Putty, the Frisbee, and the...