America 1920-1973: Post-war Society and Economy Flashcards
What era did post-war America see?
Consumerism
What is consumerism
The concept of ever-expanding consumption of goods benefits the economy.
What was known as the ‘American Dream’?
The idea that anyone could succeed through hard work.
Name 5 factors that contributed to the consumer society in post-war America.
- Luxury goods on demand as they were rare during the war
- ’ buy now, pay later ‘ schemes
- Huge shopping centres on the outskirts of cities and towns
- An increase in overseas spnding on US-made goods
- ‘baby boom’- a 40% increase in population
Name 5 of the affordable luxury goods in post-war America.
- Refrigerators
- Ovens
- Vaccum cleaners
- Cars
- TVs
Fun Fact Gap Fill: _/10 Americans had …. in their household
1. TVs
2. Cars
3. Washing machine
4. Telephone
- 9/10
- 8/10
- 7/10
- 8/10
When did FDR pass away?
April 1945
Who replaced FDR?
Harry S Truman
What were the 2 main issues Truman wished to tackle?
- Poverty
- African- American rights
The ____ Deal was a set of proposals put forward by U.S. President Harry S. Truman to Congress in 19__ and in his _______ 1949 State of the _____address.
- Fair
- 1945
- January
- Union
What are 2 ‘ Fair Deal’ policies that were successful in combatting poverty?
- Raised minimum hourly wage from 40 cents to 75 cents
- Large slum housing was cleared up and replaced by affordable homes
What are 2 ‘ Fair Deal’ policies that were successful in helping the effects of war veterans?
. GI Bill made cheap home loans available to war veterans