Episode 5: Post-war Economic Boom

What does a time of change and growth reveal about what a country values? How can a period of progress also involve exclusion and inequality? 

In this video, host Jack Evans and Museum curator Craig explore Australia during the postwar boom – a time of new jobs, growing industries and rising living standards. The launch of a fully ‘Australian’ car, the advent of television, and events like the Melbourne Olympic Games reflect a country becoming more confident, prosperous and connected to the world.

At the same time, we also see that progress wasn’t experienced equally. Curator Suzanne speaks about objects in the Museum’s collection that reveal stories of continued segregation and discrimination. Other challenges faced by First Nations Australians during this period are also discussed. 

Reading sources

Take a closer look at the primary sources featured in the video, and a couple of others from this era from our collection.

Activities

1. Compare two items from the slideshow above, which reveal different experiences of life in the postwar boom in Australia. How do these objects show us what was progressive about the 1950s and what was unjust?
    
2. Do you think a country can call itself ‘modern’ if not all citizens have equal rights? Explain your thinking.
    
3. The cinema seats in the Museum’s collection come from a theatre that Charles Perkins and a group of Sydney University students visited in 1965 as part of the Freedom Ride. Do some research and find out how the Australian Freedom Riders contributed to the campaign for the recognition of the rights of First Nations Australians.
    
4. Discuss how museums shape our understanding of the past through their collections and the choices made when putting together an exhibition. Consider whether primary sources are able to tell the whole story of an event, place or person.