Post-war America: 1945-1960

The American Dream starts here…….

In suburbia!

How is suburbia created in post-war America?

• Post-war housing shortage

• Levittown – mass production techniques

• Baby Boom

• Interstate Highway Act 1956 & Urban Renewal

How do the suburbs become accessible to Americans?

•They can afford it! They can afford it! •THE G.I. BILL (1944)THE G.I. BILL (1944)

• Offered veterans low interest, federally Offered veterans low interest, federally guaranteed loans. guaranteed loans.

• Millions used these benefits to buy homesMillions used these benefits to buy homes• Gave veterans $20 a week for 52 weeksGave veterans $20 a week for 52 weeks

• Encouraged veterans to get an education Encouraged veterans to get an education by paying part of their tuitionby paying part of their tuition

What was the effect of the G.I. What was the effect of the G.I. Bill?Bill?

“The G.I. Bill was designed to help veterans, not transform America…but [the] G.I. Bill

was the best piece of legislation ever passed by the U.S. Congress, and it made

modern America.”

- Stephen Ambrose, Historian

What was the effect of the G.I. What was the effect of the G.I. Bill?Bill?

GI Bill--Not open to all!Segregated CollegesMean PeopleCovenantsReal Estate AgentsMortgage Lending

Red LiningFederalism