Early Cold War/1950s America

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Winston Churchill

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Known for calling Stalin's influence the 'iron curtain' that ran across Europe. He spoke out forcefully against the Soviet Union and feared the spread of communism to Western Europe and Western Asia.

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John Foster Dulles

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Eisenhower's secretary of state, endorsed massive retaliation policy, and believed in brinkmanship to protect US allies and prevent war.

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William Levitt

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Leader in mass production of suburban homes, built affordable towns ideal for young couples.

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The Rosenbergs

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Couple charged with passing nuclear secrets to Soviet agents, their trial generated controversy and they were sentenced to death.

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Joseph McCarthy

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Senator who accused the State Department of being infested with communists, leading to a period of intense anti-communist suspicion.

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President Truman

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Believed Stalin was planning world conquest, ordered American troops to South Korea, and followed a policy of limited war.

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President Eisenhower

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Focused on nuclear weapons over conventional forces, authorized CIA operations, and initiated the interstate highway system.

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Dr. Benjamin Spock

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Author of 'Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care,' providing advice on child-rearing.

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Michael Harrington

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Author of 'The Other America,' highlighting widespread poverty in the US.

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Dr. Jonas Salk

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Developed a vaccine against polio in 1954, nearly eliminating the disease.