The Perfect Storm

How the 1950s Made Halloween in the United States

Halloween in America before WWII

• “Trick or Treat” was associated with crime and vandalism during the early 20th century

• Major urban centers would prepare for Halloween by bringing in extra police officers to deal with rowdy youth

• By the 1930s towns began to organize incentives in the form of free candy to keep kids under control for the holiday

The Road to a Multi-billion Dollar Industry

• Three major factors influenced the growth of the Halloween industry in the 1950s

1. The post-World War II baby boom2. The growth of suburbs3. Advertising

• Once the holiday caught on it continued to grow through to the present

The Post-World War II Baby Boom

• A population explosion occurred in the decades following World War II

• Many families enjoyed a boost in standard of living due to low unemployment, generous salaries, and technical innovations that allowed for lower commodity prices

• The large number of children born during the post-war years allowed for a market to emerge for family-oriented holidays

The Post-World War II Baby Boom

The Growth of Suburbs

• Wartime military vehicle factories converted their production to consumer automobiles

• Price of family automobile went down and demand increased

• Car ownership for the middle-class family became attainable during the post-war period

The Growth of Suburbs

• Construction of highway systems allowed families to live further away from urban centers and still enjoy the economic benefits of the big city

• The suburb provided a safer environment for families to go “trick or treating”

Advertising

• Innovations to mass media allowed commodity producers to more effectively reach consumers

• When candy companies uncovered the possible market for Halloween treats, they heavily advertised and promoted the holiday

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Discussion Questions

• What other factors do you think continue to influence Halloween?

• How has Halloween remained the same since the 1950s?

• How has it changed?• What will Halloween look like in the future?

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