The Post-War Boom, also known as the Golden Age of Capitalism, was a period of economic prosperity in the mid-20th century. This period of time occurred following the end of World War II in 1945, and lasted until the early 1950's. During this time there was high economic growth, not only for America, but also for the entire World. In America, the end of the war was met with much celebration and hope for the future, even as the threat of conflict with the Soviet Union was still stuck around. Coming out of World War II, America was now seen as the worlds Superpower. America's future appeared to be bright, even though everyday concerns affected us on very basic levels.
Visual 1: This visual represents the Post War Boom in general. The tank representing the war aspect and the Boom representing how our economy was in an economic uprising.
"Baby Boom" Almost exactly nine months after World War II ended, the cry of the baby was heard across America. More babies were born in 1946 than ever before. It was estimated about 3.4 million, 20 percent more than in 1945. This was the beginning of the so-called “Baby Boom.” In 1947, another 3.8 million babies were born; 3.9 million were born in 1952; and more than 4 million were born every year from 1954 until 1964, when the boom finally tapered off. By then, there were 76.4 million “Baby Boomers” in the United States. They made up almost 40 percent of the nation’s population.
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Visual 2: This visual represents the "Baby Boom," which was after the war during peacetime when there was an up-rise of babies being born.
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Visual 3: This video visual represents the "Home Life, Suburban Sprawl, and Baby Boom" all in one video. The representation explains how the 50's were an "Age of Affluence" because during this time, America acquired more money, property, and material goods.
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"Suburban Sprawl"
Suburban Sprawl, or other known as "Urban Sprawl," describes the expansion of human populations away from central urban areas into low-density, and usually car-dependent communities. In addition to describing a particular form of urbanization, the term also relates to the social and environmental consequences associated with this development. During the Post War Boom, this is what happened to our economy as we were on an uprising. More homes were made, and more cars were needed for the people living in the "Suburban Sprawled Communities." The higher need for cars was a factor for the uprising economy during this time.
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