(4a) Economic transformation Flashcards
1945: USA had __% of world’s population, but __% of global income.
1945: USA had 7% of world’s population, but 42% of global income.
how much did employment increase between 1947-1957 for middle class workers
The number of jobs in professional and technological work grew enormously with the number of salaried middle-class workers rising 61% between 1947 and 1957.
how many cars were produced in 1955 compared to 1946
1946 car production was 2 million and by 1955 this had increased to 8 million
what New industries emerged from WW2:
Nuclear physics aerospace, electronics and chemicals
when was the taft hartley act passed and what did it involve?
In 1947 the Taft-Hartley Act was passed which limited the power of the unions in favour of employers.
The Act also gave the president the power to prevent strikes that were against the national interest.
what was the impact of the growth in the car industry?
it benefitted feeder industries
led to the growth of suburbs and domestic tourism
which big three corporations totally dominated the car industry.
General Motors, Ford and Chrysler
how did owning a car influence the growth in suburbs
Owning a car meant people had more freedom of choice about where to live. Many opted to move away from industrial areas and towns into the suburbs
to what extent did people living in the suburbs increase 1920-1960
Americans living in the suburbs went from 17% in 1920 to 33% by 1960
what was a consequence of growth in suburbs
18 million Americans moved out of cities: “white flight”, and growth of the middle class
What precise examples are there of uneven distribution of wealth? Give 2. *
33% homes lacked running water
40% lacked flushing toilets
Describe the role of William Levitt and Levitt houses in the growth of the suburbs. *
in 1947 Levitt, built 10,600 houses in New York; these homes were quickly purchased and
By 1953, 70,000 lived there
Mass-produced houses using prefabricated door frames, walls, and window frames that could be easily put together
standard white picket fencing, fitted kitchens, and a green lawn.
In 1957 how much was the nappy industry worth? *
$57 million
Impact of car industry = Growth of domestic tourism
Americans could now drive to areas throughout America. As in the 20s, this encouraged domestic tourism which boosted local economies
how did The GI Bill of rights Aid postwar prosperity
Grants to veterans to improve their education, learn new skills or set up a business on returning from war
$2,000 loan for starting business
The Federal Housing Authority gave support to veterans wanting to buy their own home with mortgages of up to 90%, and low interest
what was the impact of the gi bill of rights?
This created a housing boom - which in turn benefitted the construction industry
By 1956, 4.3 million home loans had been made with a combined value of $33 billion.
how did The Federal Housing Authority support veterans
gave support to veterans wanting to buy their own home with mortgages of up to 90%, and low interest
How much did the GI Bill of rights cost the government?
1944 to end of the GI Bill in 1956, cost the federal government $14.5 billion.
what were levittowns
Mass-produced houses using prefabricated door frames, walls and window frames that could be easily put together ‘on site’. Standard white picket fencing, fitted kitchens and a green lawn.
1947 Levitt bought 1,200 acres of farmland on Long Island, New York, where he built 10,600 houses; these homes were quickly purchased and occupied by more than 40,000 people.
how many people lived in levvittowns by 1953
By 1953, 70,000 lived there
Following the midterm elections of 1946, Republicans gained control of Congress. In 1947 passed the Taft-Hartley Act which limited the power of the unions in favour of employers.
summarise what this meant for trade unions
Outlawed the closed shop - where people in a particular industry have to be in a union
Outlawed secondary strikes - where workers strike in support of others in an industrial dispute.
Made it more difficult to call a strike and the right for employers to sue unions.
Union leaders had to swear they were non-communist.
The Act also gave the president the power to prevent strikes that were against the national interest.
