Topic 2 - The Impact of WW2 & Post-War Developments

Question 1

What were the reasons for Americans to be affluent after WW2? (3)

Answer 1

Had money saved from the war to spend on TVs and cars
Better working practices lead to goods being produced cheaper and sold at lower prices
Growth in population led to more demand for goods

Question 2

Why did America benefit economically from WW2? (3)

Answer 2

1. Internal migration - Over 20M Americans went in search of better jobs between 1941-45
2. Wartime production - Industries (coal, iron, steel, oil) expanded greatly and by 1944 the US produced 1/2 the weapons in the world
3. Conscription resulted in an end to unemployment with it falling by more than 8M from 1939-44

Question 3

Reasons for growth in suburbia (4)

Answer 3

American dream - own a home + raise children away from city
Increased car ownership - no longer had to live close to work
Increased affluence - homes more affordable
Baby boom - 1945-60 population increased by 40 million which led to more demand for new homes