US7 The American Dream Flashcards
1
Q
What is ‘the American dream’?
A
The idea that anyone can succeed through hard work
2
Q
What is consumerism?
A
The concept that the ever expanding consumption of goods benefits the economy
3
Q
What were some luxury goods that were high in demand after the war?
A
Refrigerators, ovens, vacuum cleaners, cars, televisions
4
Q
Why did luxury goods sell in high numbers in post war America?
A
- peacetime goods were produced in the same efficient way that war goods were
- so goods were produced at affordable prices
- demand was high due to these goods being rare during the war
5
Q
How were people encouraged to spend money in post war America?
A
- a powerful advertising industry
- ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes
6
Q
How did shopping change cities in post war america?
A
- shopping malls were built on the outskirts of town
- some city centres declined as people went out of town to shop
7
Q
By the end of the 1950s how many households had a television a car a telephone and a washing machine?
A
- 9/10 television
- 8/10 car
- 8/10 telephone
- 7/10 washing machine
8
Q
By 1952 what percentage of the world’s manufactured goods were supplied by America?
A
65%
9
Q
In postwar America, what did the population increase by? And what was it called?
A
- 40%
- The baby boom
