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What were the main factors that contributed to the rise of the suburbs in post-W...

Dec 24, 2023

What were the main factors that contributed to the rise of the suburbs in post-WWII America?

Answer

The main factors that contributed to the rise of the suburbs in post-WWII America included the availability of affordable housing, often facilitated by the GI Bill, which provided veterans with low-interest home loans; the growth of the automobile industry and the expansion of highway systems, which made commuting from suburban areas to urban centers feasible; a postwar economic boom that increased American purchasing power; and the desire for a perceived safer, more tranquil family environment away from the city. Additionally, government policies, such as redlining and mortgage guarantees, played a role in shaping suburban growth and demographics.

Key Concept

The post-WWII economic boom and government policies promoting homeownership and suburban growth. (KC-8.2.I.C)

Explanation

After World War II, the United States experienced a period of economic prosperity that allowed many Americans to purchase homes and cars. Government policies, such as the GI Bill, provided veterans with the means to buy homes in the suburbs, and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Veterans Administration (VA) offered mortgage insurance, making homeownership more accessible. The construction of interstate highways facilitated the daily commute from suburban homes to urban jobs, and the desire for a better quality of life drove many to seek the space and safety the suburbs were thought to offer.