To what extent was growth in the ownership and use of cars the most important feature of the US economy and society in the years 1955 to 1963? Flashcards
p1
p2
p3
P1- Growth of car ownership and use of cars
P: The predominant feature of US society experiencing extreme growth between 1955-63 was car ownership; a whirlwind of opportunities made the American Dream more realistic for many, due to the enhanced accessibility of travel and investment generated by the car industry.
P2-growth of new industries: DISAGREE
P-The growth of new industries was also significant in strengthening an economic boom and were stimulated often due to the ownership of cars; the demand for new products stimulated a boom in new types of industries,
shaping the retail experience and much of American culture.
P3-Growth of suburbia – DISAGREE
P-Despite the growth of new industries, the dramatic transformation of culture through the growth of suburbia was more significant and was driven by the rise in car ownership; suburbia became a lasting legacy of car
development.
P1 EVIDENCE
E- `
1960- Car ownership rocketed 1- Unprecedented prosperity and more money to spend
Increase in number of cars on roads ( 1950- 39.3 million 1990- 73.4 million) = sign post of American affluence ( more money to spend + purchase of cars down in 1930’s depression now it’s up rapidly ) \Q
A- Therefore the increase in the car industry was a significant feature of the US economy because it illustrated how society had changed and improved since the 30’s as more people could buy cars. Additionally, Americans had a double wage with greater disposable income and could participate in consumer culture due to increased wages, this fuelled the rise of car ownership as it enabled Americans to travel and stimulate ‘on the road culture’. ,
E: Stimulation of other industries
Stimulated other industries Highway construction
- Roosevelt : Led to 1944 highway act 40,000 miles of highway- lots of cars increasing rapidly cost 25billion
-EISENHOWER: National interstate and defence highway act 1956- 41,000 miles= stimulus for car industry and construction industry
A: Car ownership was a significant feature of the US economy because it’s growth stimulated other industries such as the Highway industry because the presence of more cars required more access to roads and an increase desire to travel. This therefore stimulated an increase in jobs as more people were needed to construct roads and
OA all aspects of life centred around cars
