The growth of the American economy in the 50's and the impact of "consumer society"

19. year 1 american d

Proof that the US economy grew in the 50s?

-GNP +25%

-Families averaged +30 purchasing by 1960

-wages rose and inflation/ unemployment was low

Why was there such a boom in the economy in the 50s?

-Germany’s ww2 damage

-cheap oil aiding industry and transportation

-research developments in technology

-baby boom-increased suburbs demand

How many of the 13 million new homes built between 1948-58 were suburban?

11 million

What else did the boom lead to?

-car production boom - big 3 built 7.9 million in 1955

-thus stimulating service industries - motels, shopping malls

-made america a mobile society

What did these economic developments lead to?

development of a consumer society

Why were consumerism and materialism criticsed?

-undermined American values of hard work- led to conformity

-American selfishness

What percent of homes had a TV by 1960

90