How Did Popular Culture Change After WW2?

The end of World War 2 marked a significant turning point in the history of popular culture. From music to fashion, movies to literature, WW2 drastically impacted the world’s artistic landscape. This article will explore how popular culture changed in the aftermath of the war.

The Rise of Hollywood

Before the war, Hollywood had already become a central hub of filmmaking, but it was during and after the war that Hollywood cemented its place as the global entertainment industry’s leader. The US government used films as a way to build support for the war effort, and they also made propaganda films to convince people of the need to fight. These films were often quite simplistic, but the idea of using films to shape public opinion had taken root.

After the war, Hollywood continued to grow and evolve. The studios began to target specific audiences, and the films themselves became more sophisticated. The 1950s and 60s saw the rise of the classic Hollywood cinema, which produced some of the most iconic films of all time.

The Birth of Popular Music

The end of the Second World War also saw the birth of popular music as we know it today. Jazz and swing music had been popular throughout the war, but after the conflict ended, a new sound emerged. Rock and roll took the world by storm, and teenagers everywhere embraced the rebellious new music.

As the genre matured, it gave birth to dozens of different sub-genres, each with their own distinct identity. From the British Invasion to punk rock, popular music took on many different forms, but each one built upon the foundations laid down during the post-war years.

The Influence of Television

During the war, television was in its infancy, but after the conflict ended, it quickly became the dominant form of entertainment. Families across America gathered around their television sets to watch shows that were broadcast live from New York City.

Television had a profound impact on popular culture, shaping the way we consume entertainment, and breaking down barriers between different demographics. It brought the world into people’s living rooms, exposing them to new ideas and different ways of life.

The Evolution of Fashion

Fashion changed dramatically after WW2 as well. During the war, there were restrictions on what people could wear, with many materials being rationed. After the conflict ended, people were free to dress as they pleased, and this led to an explosion of new trends and styles.

The 1950s saw the rise of the poodle skirt and the greaser look, while the 1960s brought with it the mod style and the counterculture look. Fashion became an important way for people to express themselves, and it continues to be a vital part of popular culture today.

Conclusion

The Second World War had a profound impact on popular culture, impacting everything from music and movies to fashion and television. The changes that came about after the war were revolutionary, and they continue to shape popular culture to this day. From the rise of Hollywood to the evolution of popular music, the post-war period was a time of great change and creativity.

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