rations and diminished production during war = saved money government funded research and development of industry created new products and improved efficiency rapid production of goods in factories manned by women and African Americans Americans eager to acquire all the Depression and War had denied

machines replacing worker growth of white-collar workers (managers, sales, professional, and clerical duties) 1940 = 44.8% white collar workers 1960 = 56.2% white collar workers growth of service industry Primary industry- farming, mining, fishing, etc. Secondary industry- manufacturing Tertiary industry – service – helping people use the products of primary and secondary industry and providing services to people (salespeople, transportation, plumbers, restaurant workers, entertainment African American and female workers displaced by returning soldiers

Soldiers returning were eager to pursue the American Dream they had fought for – marriages, birth rates, and home sales soared

1.Baby Boom (1945 – 1957) million births a year Previously only 2 – 3 million births a year 2.GI Bill of Rights Low-interest mortgages to buy houses Expanding families search for the American Dream…

3. Levittowns - mass produced communities in the suburbs developed by William J. Levitt - average Americans could afford homes

4. The Automobile dependence on a car to get to jobs led to new industries (federal/interstate highways, gas stations, repair shops, parts stores, drive-in movies and restaurants).

4. Teen Consumers Teens became a significant part of population due to baby boom – word teenager enters American vocabulary Teens took part in fueling the growing economy Companies used advertising to appeal specifically to teens

Prosperity for all? While new suburbs grew, new housing in cities rapidly declined, with existing structures deteriorating (primarily home to most minority groups) Dependence on car for wealthy led to the decline of mass transit (primarily poor & minorities affected because they can not afford cars)

Truman & Eisenhower President Harry Truman (Democrat) attempted to continue FDRs economic policies in post-war years with the “Fair Deal” Republican’s feared Democratic control (and rejected most of his ideas) Ex: repeat of FDRs four terms, and 22nd Amendment passed limiting Presidential terms Successes: banned discrimination in hiring of federal employees ended segregation in armed forces

President Eisenhower (Republican) former Commander of Allied Forces (led D-Day invasion) introduced “modern Republicanism” slow growth of Federal government limit power of President, increase power of Congress & Courts cut spending, reduce taxes Domestic Policies: created NASA National Defense Education Act money to increase science and math education to compete with the USSR in Arms and Space Races (after ‘Sputnik Moment’

Political, Economic, and Military competition between the U.S. and U.S.S.R As WWII was ending tension arose between the two strongest Allies (U.S. & U.S.S.R) Began a new era, The Cold War lasted for over 50 years affected both domestic and foreign policies led to the “Second Red Scare” DEMOCRACY vs COMMUNISM