President Eisenhower: Domestic Policy Flashcards
What happened during the economic boom?
-US became forefront of technological advancements
-GNP rose from $353 billion (50’) to $487 (60’)
-Median family income became $5250 (30% disposable income)
-1953-57 cost of living rose 2.8% whilst factory wages rose 8.6%
-Both inflation and unemployment was low
Why was there an increase in consumerism under Eisenhower?
With 30% disposable income, people/families begun to buy consumer goods promoting US lifestyle that was envied throughout world.
Why did the American Economy grow?
-Emerged from WWII in better economic state than rest of world
-US industry/ transportation had cheap oil
-Increasing investment to research into scientific/technological advancements
-Population rose from 151 Mil(50’) to 180 Mil (60’)
What was the Construction boom?
-13 million new homes built
-11 million of them in suburbs
Who were the Levitt brothers?
-Constructed suburbs (‘Levittown’) in Long Island in 1947
-Built 17,000 homes with 80,000 residents
-Had village greens, pools, bowling alleys, shopping centres etc.
-Costed $8000(twice average income)
Positives of construction boom:
-Got rid of housing shortage under Truman
-Provided employment and fulfilled American Dream
What is ‘White Flight’?
-Post WWII exodus of white Americans from inner citys, leaving the cities populated mainly by minorities
How many new cars were built in the 50s? Why?
-7.9 Million
-Promoted to buy new cars as often as possible to reflect American self-confidence and status.
How many cars were scrapped in the 50s?
-4.5 Million
Positives of increase in car manufacturing:
-Made travel faster and more comfortable
-Freed them to live in suburbs while still being able to work in cities
-Created jobs in manufacturing industry
Consequences of growth of cars:
-Cheap accommodation and fast food needed whilst travelling
-1952, first motel chain born
-228 McDonalds built
-Rural areas became covered by roads, motels, fast food, parking lots etc.
Consequences of growth of service industry:
-Increased number of service workers
-Decreased need for heavy manual labour
-Number of industrial workers fell from 39% to 36%
-Economy dependent on service industry and office work
How many service workers were there by 1960?
-7.6 million
-21 million not in manual labour (outnumbered) 25 mill manual workers)
What percentage of the US pop had TV?
60%
How did TV promote consumerism?
-Had non-stop advertisement
