How Pop Culture Changed after WW2

The Second World War, one of the most devastating conflicts in the history of mankind, fundamentally changed the world in countless ways. One of the ways it changed the world was by reshaping popular culture in America and around the globe. In this blog post, let’s take a closer look at how pop culture changed after WW2.

The Rise of Television

Perhaps the most significant change in popular culture after WW2 was the advent of television. While television was already invented before the war, it wasn’t until after it that the technology was refined and widely adopted. Television became a symbol of a new and prosperous post-war America, and many people purchased TV sets in large numbers. Due to this, television became a powerful tool for advertising, and as it became more popular, so did the advertising that accompanied it.

Rock and Roll and the Youth Culture

Another aspect of pop culture that underwent a considerable transformation after WW2 was music. The post-war era saw the rise of rock and roll, a genre that evolved out of the African American blues and rhythm and blues genres. The new musical form had a significant impact on the youth culture of America as it was seen as a form of rebellion and opposition to the more conservative values that dominated popular culture at the time. Fueled by the expressive beats and lyrics of artists such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard, rock and roll became a cultural phenomenon that defined the ’50s and ’60s.

Cinema and the Emergence of the Blockbuster

Hollywood also underwent significant changes after the war. Perhaps one of the most significant of those changes was the emergence of the blockbuster film. Studios began to produce bigger-budget films that relied heavily on special effects and big-name stars. The result was the start of big-budget movies as we know them today, with films such as Jaws, The Godfather, and Star Wars breaking box office records and becoming iconic in the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WW2 made significant changes not only in politics and economies worldwide, but also in the sphere of popular culture. Television became ubiquitous, rock and roll became a symbol of youthful rebellion, and Hollywood’s blockbuster system emerged. These changes were transformative, and the impact of the Second World War on popular culture is still felt today.