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TO WHAT EXTENT HAD AMERICANS NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD IN THE YEARS 1945-60? -…
TO WHAT EXTENT HAD AMERICANS NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD IN THE YEARS 1945-60?
Consumerism
Consumerism boomed in these years. Development of cars, labour-saving devices for houses benefitted women and gave them more freedom.
Most Americans could afford cars.
1939 and 1948, household appliance sales increased by 500%, which contributed to a general rise in the standard of living.
By 1960, around 90% of Americans owned a radio.
Growing affluence - more disposable income/purchasing power.
Wages rising, more employment opportunities.
Growing leisure opportunities - cars gave people more freedom and opportunity
Disparities in wealth: Native Americans, black people earned far less than Whites, and were disproportionately affected by poverty. Not everyone prospered and had unprecedented amounts of disposable income.
Nearly 1/3 of Americans lived in poverty throughout this period.
Health
Result of ww2 rationing - growth of people eating processed foods/smoking.
Sweets businesses flourished.
Coca Cola: made $79 million in 1959.
People eating far less healthy after the war - led to lower living standard.
Housing
Growth of suburbs - cheap housing (cheapest: $7000)
By 1960, 1/3 of US population lived in suburban housing. These houses had central heating, modern bathrooms and big kitchens. Therefore increased standard of living.
E.g. Levittowns.
This growth in suburbia led to more black and brown people living in overcrowded accommodation in the cities. Many suburban housing companies refused to sell to Black Americans
Rising car ownership made it easier for white families to flee to the suburbs, leaving w/c and minority groups behind in the cities.
Overall, only to some extent. Many Americans had it so good in these years, but many groups such as ethnic minorities and poorer people didn't. The poverty rate was still high, and health did not improve significantly with more people eating processed/unhealthy foods and smoking.