Term
| What are the reasons for rapid growth of the American economy after WWII? |
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Definition
• With rationing of consumer goods over, business converted from production of war materials to consumer goods.
• Americans purchased goods on credit.
• The workforce shifted back to men, and most women returned to family responsibilities.
• Labor unions merged and became more powerful; workers gained new benefits and higher salaries.
• As economic prosperity continued and technology boomed, the next generation of women re-entered the labor force in large numbers. |
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Term
| What factors led to changing patterns of society in the post-World War II era? |
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Definition
• Strong economy (healthy job market, increased productivity, increased demand for American products)
• Greater investment in education
• “The Baby Boom,” which led to changing demographics
• Interstate highway system
• Evolving role of women (expected to play supporting role in the family, but increasingly working outside the home)
• Role of Eleanor Roosevelt in expanding women’s rights
• African Americans’ aspirations for equal opportunities
• Changes in make-up of immigrants after 1965 (e.g., Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans) |
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Term
| What policies and programs expanded educational and employment opportunities for the military, women, and minorities? |
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Definition
• G.I. Bill of Rights gave educational, housing, and employment benefits to World War II veterans.
• Truman desegregated the armed forces.
• Civil Rights legislation led to increased educational, economic, and political opportunities for women and minorities |
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Term
| Which industries benefited the most from the new technologies? |
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Definition
• Airline industry—Jets
• Automobile industry and interstate highway system
• Entertainment and news media industry
• Exploration of space
• Computer industry
• Satellite system— Telecommunications (pagers, cell phones, television)
• Internet |
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Term
| What impact did the new technologies have on American life? |
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Definition
• Increased domestic and international travel for business and pleasure
• Greater access to news and other information
• Cheaper and more convenient means of communication
• Greater access to heating and air-conditioning
• Decreased regional variation, resulting from nationwide access to entertainment and information provided by national television and radio programming, Internet services, computer games |
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