In the 1950s, American society was characterized by post-World War II prosperity and a booming economy. Many families moved to the suburbs, seeking larger homes and a better quality of life. The rise of consumer culture led to increased spending on goods like cars and household appliances, with brands like General Motors and Whirlpool becoming household names. Socially, the decade was marked by a strong emphasis on traditional family values, with the ideal of the nuclear family becoming prominent. However, this period also saw the beginnings of civil rights movements, as figures like Martin Luther King Jr. began advocating for racial equality and justice.