The economic inpact of the second world war and the post was developments Flashcards
(9 cards)
When did america enter ww2
entered after the Japanese binning of pearl harbor
How many americans migrate
Between 1941-1945 over 27 million americans migrated in search of better jobs
End of unemployment during ww2
-Conscription meant that workers were needed, putting an end to unemployment
-1939 unemployed=9.5m
1944=670,000
wartime production during WW2
-tradition industries such as coal, iron, steel, and oil greatly expanded arms production
-1944 usa were producing half the weapons in the world
Why did the us industry after ww2 boom
-millions of people cashed in war bonds
-Wanted to leave rationing behind and buy consumer goods
-automobile industry increased sales again
-1940s us provides 1/2 of the world manufactured goods (57% steel, 62% oil and 80% cars)
consumeration during ww2
-Americans spent more money on consumer goods such as tvs and cars
-hire purchase, known as consumer credit increased
-better working prices=consumer goods produced more cheap
-population growth increased demand for goods
-ongoing cold war meant US industry kept turning out new weapons, boasting coal and electronic industries
-standard of living was 3x higher than that of a briton
-encouraged to spend an shopping became a popular activity
-Necessities over luxuries
-Vast supermarkets, new motorways, large cars, tv games became symbols of the flourishing economy
Reasons for the growth of suburbia
Affordable housing:
-building of affordable houses became a priority
-land was cheaper on city edge
Living the american dream:
-many young couples dreamt to own a home
-wanted to bring children up away from pressures of the city life
Baby boom:
-1945-1960 population increased by 40%, increasing demand for new homes
Increased car ownership:
-most families had at least one car, no longer needing to live close to work
The affluent society
-1960- standard of living was 3x that of a briton
-1960- 25% if americans lived in suburbia
-TV’s, record players, at least 1 car, and swimming pools became “must haves”
The “other” American:
-1959- 29% (50m) lived below the poverty line
-among the poor were: hill billies of the Appalachian mountains, hispanic workers in the west and black people in the city ghettos in the north
-poor americans found it hard to afford the rising health care
