Macro View :
In September 1945, United States President Harry Truman addressed Congress and presented a 21 point program of domestic legislation outlining a series of proposed actions in the fields of economic development and social welfare. The proposals to Congress became more and more abundant and by 1948 a legislative program that was more comprehensive came to be known as the Fair Deal. In his 1949 State of the Union Address to Congress on January 5, 1949, Truman stated that "Every segment of our population, and every individual, has a right to expect from his government a fair deal." Despite a mixed record of legislative success, the Fair Deal remains significant in establishing the call for universal health care as a rallying cry for the Democratic Party. Lyndon Johnson credited Truman's unfulfilled program as influencing Great Society measures such as Medicare that Johnson successfully enacted during the 1960s. The Fair Deal faced much opposition from the many conservative politicians who wanted a reduced role of the federal government. The series of domestic reforms was a major push to transform the United States from a wartime economy to a peacetime economy. In a context of postwar reconstruction and entering the era of the Cold war, the Fair Deal sought to preserve and extend the liberal tradition of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal. During this post-WWII time, people were growing more conservative as they were ready to enjoy the prosperity not seen since before The Great Depression. The Fair Deal faced opposition by Republicans and conservative Democrats. However, despite strong conservative opposition, there were elements of Truman’s agenda that did win congressional approval. This event effects this play because Willy wants his sons to achieve great things and Roosevelt is not only president, but he is from new york.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Deal
The Housing Act of 1949 was a major legislative accomplishment stemming from the Fair Deal. This led to the allocation of federal funds to go towards new housing projects, urban renewal, and more public housing. This spawned the growth of urban regions in the post-war United States. Much of the mass urban development that took place during this time can still be seen today. The Housing Act of 1949 has had a lasting impact on the United States. This act also contributed to what is known as "white flight" while simultaneously contributing to the racial wealth gap. Any thing going on in the country conserning economics would greatly impact the world of this production.
The Employment Act, Act of Feb. 20, 1946, ch. 33, section 2, 60 Stat. 23, codified as 15 U.S.C. § 1021, is a United States federal law. Its main purpose was to lay the responsibility of economic stability onto the federal government. Once again we deal with economic crisis, we are just seeing the first stages of attempted rebuilding after world war 2.
The Labor–Management Relations Act, 80 Pub.L. 101; 61 Stat. 136, informally the Taft–Hartley Act, is a United States federal law that monitors the activities and power of labor unions. The act, still effective, was sponsored by Senator Robert Taft and Representative Fred A. Hartley, Jr. and legislated by overriding U.S. President Harry S. Truman's veto on June 23, 1947; labor leaders called it the "slave-labor bill" while President Truman argued it would "conflict with important principles of our democratic society," though he would subsequently use it twelve times during his presidency. The Taft–Hartley Act amended the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA; informally the Wagner Act), which Congress passed in 1935. Although many different laws were passed many people could not find work not unlike our Willy Lowman.
The Loyalty Order, was signed March 21, 1947 by U.S. President Harry S. Truman. The order established the first general loyalty program in the United States, which was designed to root out communist influence within the various departments of the U.S. federal government. Truman aimed to rally public opinion behind his Cold War policies with the investigations that would stem from this executive order (EO). He also hoped to quiet rightwing critics who accused Democrats of being soft on communism. Additionally, he advised the Loyalty Review Board to limit the role of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to avoid a witch hunt. The program investigated over 3 million government employees; of that number just over 300 were dismissed as security risks. Some in the Truman administration, such as Attorney General J. Howard McGrath, believed there were "many Communists in America." At the same time, Truman created a temporary commission on Employee Loyalty. Not only is Willy hurting for work with the current economic resession the threat of communism is close at hand. This epidemic occuring so shortly after world war 2 has people scared and would greatly influence the actions of the characters.
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (typically abbreviated GATT) was negotiated during the UN Conference on Trade and Employment and was the outcome of the failure of negotiating governments to create the International Trade Organization (ITO). GATT was formed in 1949 and lasted until 1993, when it was replaced by the World Trade Organization in 1995. The original GATT text (GATT 1947) is still in effect under the WTO framework, subject to the modifications of GATT 1994. Time and time again we see the struggles of the American population when it comes to finding work just highlighing the difficulty that we see Willy do his best to over come.
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) was the first black Major League Baseball (MLB) player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. As the first black man to play in the major leagues since the 1880s, he was instrumental in bringing an end to racial segregation in professional baseball, which had relegated black players to the Negro leagues for six decades. The example of his character and unquestionable talent challenged the traditional basis of segregation, which then marked many other aspects of American life, and contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement. Willys main goal in life is for his sons to be great or well liked so with the historic apperance of Jackie Robinson shows that the world of sports we beginning to take new shape posing new oppetunities for Americans.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Robinson
The Cold War (Russian: Холо́дная война́, Kholodnaya voyna, 1947–1991) was the continuing state of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition existing after World War II (1939–1945), primarily between the Soviet Union and its satellite states, and the powers of the Western world, particularly the United States. Although the primary participants' military forces never officially clashed directly, they expressed the conflict through military coalitions, strategic conventional force deployments, extensive aid to states deemed vulnerable, proxy wars, espionage, propaganda, a nuclear arms race, and economic and technological competitions, such as the Space Race. World war 2 has just finished and now Americans are taunted with another threat just two years after we finally had peace. With Communisim a racing pleague on American society no doubt this "Cold War" is on everyones mind so I am sure it would be effecting Willy being the loyal American that he is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War
The Iron Curtain symbolized the ideological fighting and physical boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II in 1945 until the end of the Cold War in 1991. On either side of the Iron Curtain, states developed their own international economic and military alliances. At the begining of WW2 The United States did their very best to stay out of the conflict in Europe, but in the end we were roped into the fighting so with the Mobilization of troops is many countries in europe along with fresh unknown leaders Americans are constantly on edge just waiting for Pearl Harbor take two.
The Cold War (Russian: Холо́дная война́, Kholodnaya voyna, 1947–1991) was the continuing state of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition existing after World War II (1939–1945), primarily between the Soviet Union and its satellite states, and the powers of the Western world, particularly the United States. Although the primary participants' military forces never officially clashed directly, they expressed the conflict through military coalitions, strategic conventional force deployments, extensive aid to states deemed vulnerable, proxy wars, espionage, propaganda, a nuclear arms race, and economic and technological competitions, such as the Space Race. World war 2 has just finished and now Americans are taunted with another threat just two years after we finally had peace. With Communisim a racing pleague on American society no doubt this "Cold War" is on everyones mind so I am sure it would be effecting Willy being the loyal American that he is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War
The Iron Curtain symbolized the ideological fighting and physical boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II in 1945 until the end of the Cold War in 1991. On either side of the Iron Curtain, states developed their own international economic and military alliances. At the begining of WW2 The United States did their very best to stay out of the conflict in Europe, but in the end we were roped into the fighting so with the Mobilization of troops is many countries in europe along with fresh unknown leaders Americans are constantly on edge just waiting for Pearl Harbor take two.
The United States presidential election of 1948 is considered by most historians as the greatest election upset in American history. Virtually every prediction (with or without public opinion polls) indicated that incumbent President Harry S. Truman would be defeated by Republican Thomas E. Dewey. Truman won, overcoming a three-way split in his own party. Truman's surprise victory was the fifth consecutive win for the Democratic Party in a presidential election. As a result of the 1948 congressional election, the Democrats would regain control of both houses of Congress. Thus, Truman's election confirmed the Democratic Party's status as the nation's majority party, a status they would retain until 1952. With this upset in politics, and a new perspective in the white house many Americans are excited for change, yet many are scared because of the economic crisis that the country has been going through for so long. With Willy being from New York I believe that he would be part of the population that would be excited for change expecting many great things from the countrys new leader.
Micro View :
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945; pronounced /ˈroʊzəvɛlt/ ROE-zə-velt; also known by his initials, FDR) was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war. The only American president elected to more than two terms, he forged a durable coalition that realigned American politics for decades. FDR defeated incumbent Republican Herbert Hoover in November 1932, at the depths of the Great Depression. FDR's combination of optimism and activism revived the national spirit. He led the United States through World War II, dying at the start of his fourth term just as victory was near over Germany and Japan. The Election of Roosevelt is relevent to this production because the Lowman family is from New York and would have most likly voted for Roosevelt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_D._Roosevelt
The R14 was a New York City Subway car built in 1949. The R14 was a "follow-up" or supplemental stock for the IRT division's R12's. Built by American Car and Foundry Company in 1949, these cars were similar to the R12 cars. These were the last cars built with outside door operating apparatus or controls. They began service on the 7 (IRT Flushing Line) route in Queens and Manhattan, running there until 1964 with the delivery of R33/36WF cars. Willy being the business man that he is as well as being the broke business man that he is the fabrication of a new more efficient subway car would greatly benifit Willy.
In april of 1940 there were approxamently 13.4 million people living in the city of New York. With such a large population it is hard for so many to find work in this prosporus yet crowded city. With such a huge population it is no surprise that Willy is with out work. Most likely the population causing this struggle for employment.
1946 - New York City is chosen as the site of the United Nations. This presents a great oppourtunity for many americans with the influx of foriegn dignitaries as well as immigrants coming for the United Nations helps increase job avalibility as well as brings in an influx of currency.
Sep 24, 1946 Some New York City residents are reported to be eating horse meat as prices shoot up. With inflation of the rise this just goes to show how hard it would be for the Lowman family to make ends meat.
http://home.eznet.net/~dminor/NYNY1946.html
June 1949 The Brooklyn Dodgers win nine straight games. Willy, Biff, and Happy all love sports and Willy wants Biff to be a great ball player. With the Dodgers still playing it just goes to show that even in time of an economic depression people will always want to be entertained.
http://home.eznet.net/~dminor/NYNY1949.html
Microwave oven invented by American inventor Percy Spencer, while working for the Raytheon Company. The invention of the Microwave oven not only would it effect the life style of the lowman family but it also could be a new product for Willy to sell.
http://americasbesthistory.com/abhtimeline1940.html
June 20, 1947 - President Harry S. Truman vetoes the Taft-Hartley Labor Act that would have curbed strikes, only to be overridden by Congress on June 23. This I believe would be dishearting to Willy because Truman has done very little to help, and with this being one of his last acts as president it simply couldnt come at a worse time.
http://americasbesthistory.com/abhtimeline1940.html
June 20, 1942 - The development of the first atomic bomb is signed into agreement between the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park, New York. The notion of a weapon that powerful would be part of every americans life.
http://americasbesthistory.com/abhtimeline1940.html
May 11, 1949 The recently introduced Polaroid camera sells for $89.95 in new York City. Again new products are showing up on the market opening doors for salesman maybe this would give some hope to Willy.
http://www.hisdates.com/years/1949-historical-events.html
Sounds :
Images :
June 1949 The Brooklyn Dodgers win nine straight games. Willy, Biff, and Happy all love sports and Willy wants Biff to be a great ball player. With the Dodgers still playing it just goes to show that even in time of an economic depression people will always want to be entertained.
http://home.eznet.net/~dminor/NYNY1949.html
Microwave oven invented by American inventor Percy Spencer, while working for the Raytheon Company. The invention of the Microwave oven not only would it effect the life style of the lowman family but it also could be a new product for Willy to sell.
http://americasbesthistory.com/abhtimeline1940.html
June 20, 1947 - President Harry S. Truman vetoes the Taft-Hartley Labor Act that would have curbed strikes, only to be overridden by Congress on June 23. This I believe would be dishearting to Willy because Truman has done very little to help, and with this being one of his last acts as president it simply couldnt come at a worse time.
http://americasbesthistory.com/abhtimeline1940.html
June 20, 1942 - The development of the first atomic bomb is signed into agreement between the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park, New York. The notion of a weapon that powerful would be part of every americans life.
http://americasbesthistory.com/abhtimeline1940.html
May 11, 1949 The recently introduced Polaroid camera sells for $89.95 in new York City. Again new products are showing up on the market opening doors for salesman maybe this would give some hope to Willy.
http://www.hisdates.com/years/1949-historical-events.html
Sounds :
Images :
President Roosevelt
People on Strike in New York City
Statement :
Death of a Salesman is set in the late to mid forties. The United States in the 1940’s is teeming with life. It seems like if there was an event to be had in The United States it happened during the 40’s. Now as we know the Lowman family resides in the New York area, and our main character Willy is a salesman, but in the 1940’s sales was one of the last occupations one should have if they wish to flourish in America at the time. I will be touching base on a few key events that took place during the time that the Lowman family would have been living in the New York area and how these events would affect each aspect of the characters lives. Aspects of the characters such as their emotions, surroundings, and choices when dealing with everyday life.
To this day the most historic presidential election upset is when Roosevelt ran against Truman. Roosevelt is not only a republican, but he is also the sitting Governor of New York where our characters reside. Americans have been struggling with a major decline in the employment rate. Without the implementation of labor unions, and Roosevelt being newly appointed President and not having time to take a shot at any of the problems that The United States has been battling day in and day out the population of New York continues to have problems with finding work. With work being so hard to find already the fact the population of New York is close to 13 million the problems seem to just keep piling up on society. With Truman’s “Fair Deal” greatly opposed by the conservatives of the time Roosevelt implemented his famous “New Deal” trying to help the nation transition from a wartime economy to a peace time economy. The major events that are going on in the nation I believe are going to affect Willy the most. Willy playing the role of the provider and man of the house as men with families did in the 40’s it would be most likely that he would concern himself with the woes of the world. With Willy being a salesman during a war time economy it is no surprise that he is struggling to make enough money to support his family. Economic depression would greatly affect Willy’s day to day routine it would affect his outlook on things as well as determine the mood he is in at any certain time. Now with Biff and Happy they also can’t seem to keep a job bouncing from place to place so the economic depression would also affect them. As far as the election goes I believe that everyone in the New York area would be excited for change. I believe it would bring pride to the state and further boost the spirits of this overly populated place.
With a newly appointed president the government goes straight to work trying to implement laws that will help curve the economic crisis. The Housing Act, The Employment Act, The Labor-Management Relations Act, and The Loyalty Order are just a few of the different laws that were passed in the United States to battle unemployment. On a broader scale The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was negotiated during the UN Conference on Trade and Employment and was the outcome of the failure of negotiating governments to create the International Trade Organization. With the knowledge that the world is in an economic down fall we achieve a new view on thing that are going on with society. Willy, Biff, Happy, and the entire town are affected by this and it shows in the production. Knowing what was going on with the nation not to mention the world we can better understand why our characters make the decisions that the do.
It is not all doom and gloom for New York though. New life style changing inventions begin to pop up. Inventions such as the Microwave oven, new rail cars for the subway as well as new cameras. Each and every one of these items open doors to money making opportunities bringing back the aspect of salesman in The United States. Now when there are new opportunities in sales it does not come without problems. Now with new products and new opportunities come competing salesman. With a younger fresher bunch of salesman the older people are pushed out and thrown to the dogs.
It seems like so much is working against Willy during the duration of the play and with a little bit of information on what was going on around the globe we can better understand what drove Willy to do the things he did for his family.
To this day the most historic presidential election upset is when Roosevelt ran against Truman. Roosevelt is not only a republican, but he is also the sitting Governor of New York where our characters reside. Americans have been struggling with a major decline in the employment rate. Without the implementation of labor unions, and Roosevelt being newly appointed President and not having time to take a shot at any of the problems that The United States has been battling day in and day out the population of New York continues to have problems with finding work. With work being so hard to find already the fact the population of New York is close to 13 million the problems seem to just keep piling up on society. With Truman’s “Fair Deal” greatly opposed by the conservatives of the time Roosevelt implemented his famous “New Deal” trying to help the nation transition from a wartime economy to a peace time economy. The major events that are going on in the nation I believe are going to affect Willy the most. Willy playing the role of the provider and man of the house as men with families did in the 40’s it would be most likely that he would concern himself with the woes of the world. With Willy being a salesman during a war time economy it is no surprise that he is struggling to make enough money to support his family. Economic depression would greatly affect Willy’s day to day routine it would affect his outlook on things as well as determine the mood he is in at any certain time. Now with Biff and Happy they also can’t seem to keep a job bouncing from place to place so the economic depression would also affect them. As far as the election goes I believe that everyone in the New York area would be excited for change. I believe it would bring pride to the state and further boost the spirits of this overly populated place.
With a newly appointed president the government goes straight to work trying to implement laws that will help curve the economic crisis. The Housing Act, The Employment Act, The Labor-Management Relations Act, and The Loyalty Order are just a few of the different laws that were passed in the United States to battle unemployment. On a broader scale The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was negotiated during the UN Conference on Trade and Employment and was the outcome of the failure of negotiating governments to create the International Trade Organization. With the knowledge that the world is in an economic down fall we achieve a new view on thing that are going on with society. Willy, Biff, Happy, and the entire town are affected by this and it shows in the production. Knowing what was going on with the nation not to mention the world we can better understand why our characters make the decisions that the do.
It is not all doom and gloom for New York though. New life style changing inventions begin to pop up. Inventions such as the Microwave oven, new rail cars for the subway as well as new cameras. Each and every one of these items open doors to money making opportunities bringing back the aspect of salesman in The United States. Now when there are new opportunities in sales it does not come without problems. Now with new products and new opportunities come competing salesman. With a younger fresher bunch of salesman the older people are pushed out and thrown to the dogs.
It seems like so much is working against Willy during the duration of the play and with a little bit of information on what was going on around the globe we can better understand what drove Willy to do the things he did for his family.
