Opportunity and Inequality Flashcards
(22 cards)
What was Truman’s plan for a fairer society called?
The Fair Deal
What were the two main goals of Truman’s Fair Deal?
Reduce poverty and improve rights for African-Americans
What did Truman raise the minimum wage to?
70 cents (from 40 cents)
What did Truman clear large slums for?
To build affordable housing
Who mainly opposed Truman’s Fair Deal policies?
Republicans and Southern politicians
What was the GI Bill?
A law to support veterans with healthcare, housing, and education
How many veterans received benefits under the GI Bill (1944–49)?
Nearly 9 million
How much money did the government give veterans under the GI Bill?
$4 billion
When did Eisenhower become president?
1952
What political party did Eisenhower belong to?
Republican
How did Eisenhower continue Truman’s ideas?
He continued some New Deal and Fair Deal policies
What did Eisenhower focus on during his presidency?
Economic growth and supporting the middle class
By the end of the 1950s, how much of the world’s manufactured goods did the USA produce?
0.5
How many Americans moved to the suburbs in the 1950s?
19 million
Why could so many Americans move to the suburbs?
Cheap mortgages, car ownership, and better roads
By 1960, what percentage of Americans lived in the suburbs?
0.25
What luxuries did suburban Americans often own?
Televisions, record players, swimming pools, and cars
How much did buying on credit increase from 1945–1957?
8
How did car ownership grow between 1945–1960?
From 25 million to 62 million
Which car brand became a popular symbol of the time?
Cadillac
What kind of people did Eisenhower bring into government?
Business people
What was the result of bringing business people into government?
The economy boomed, wages rose, and living standards improved
