Introduction
World War II transformed the fortune of the United States of America and its citizens as the global power shifted from the traditional European nations to the U.S. In addition, many changes came up in American society and industry after the world war that steered them ahead of the rest of the world. Some of the changes that had the largest impact were suburbanization, GI Bill, automobile, consumerism, youth culture, racial experiences and religion. Each of these factors played an important role changing the fortune of American in the period that followed after the Second World War.
Changes in American Society
As the World War ended and many Americans came back victorious, changes were visible in the thinking of the American population. Several Americans were dissatisfied with the way they used to live in small rooms or quarters in industrial cities. Since many of them were making enough money, they wanted a better life for themselves and their family. In the coming years, millions started to move out of major cities to settle in sub-urban areas in their newly-built homes (Lesh). The G.I. Bill 1944 was created for helping Second World War veterans. The Bill provided GIs with low-interest mortgages, established hospitals, and provided stipends that covered expenses and tuition for veterans for attending trade schools or college. Between 1944 and 1949, almost 9 million veterans were given around $4 billion from the unemployment compensation program of the bill (A+E Network).
Automobiles used to be a sign of social recognition before WWII, but after the war, they became a necessity for Americans. Freed up from the rationing that used to severely limit the automobile supply, Americans started to use their surplus income for purchasing a family car. The increasing number of automobiles also helped many Americans to move out of the city and live in the suburbs (Lesh). Although rationing and other shortages remained in the year 1946, Americans discovered an outlet for splurging on their pent-up consumerism. They took advantage of their newly discovered economic freedom and spent on several consumer items, most notably suburban homes and automobiles, and there was a remarkable increase in the number of babies born after World War II (Lesh).
Even though racial segregation on the basis of race was made unconstitutional in 1940, De facto segregation was practiced in cities with both non-violent and violent methods. Several instances of African Americans moving into white neighbourhoods were met with violence and hostility. Destruction of property, death threats, and physical attacks became common actions to get rid of African Americans from white neighbourhoods (Lesh). With the emergence of youth culture from the millions of babies born after World War II, analysis of social forces shaped the experiences of this age group. Youth culture also brought with it the isolation of youth, which created a culture significantly different from previous generations. The youth from this generation played a major role in the several social issues affected the American society in the 1950s and 1960s such as the Civil Rights Movement (Richardson).
After the Second World War, America was not a highly religious country. The war placed blockage on many factors that endorsed religiosity, especially marriages and procreation. Just like other institutions, Churches were slowed with the drain on volunteers and resources during the war. Post-war, America was recognized as a Christian country after President Eisenhower became the first American President to get baptized while holding office. Also, Christian faith was used as a means to fight against atheistic communists in the cold war (Beckman).
Works Cited
A+E Network. G.I. Bill. A+E Network. history.com. 2016. Web. 29 March 2016.
Beckman, Joanne. Religion in Post-World War II America. National Humanities Center. nationalhumanitiescenter.org. October 2000. Web. 29 March 2016.
Lesh, Bruce. Post-War Suburbanization: Homogenization or the American Dream?. UMBC. umbc.edu. n.d. Web. 28 March 2016.
Richardson, Theresa. The Rise of Youth Counter Culture after World War II and the Popularization of Historical Knowledge: Then and Now. Boston University. Bu.edu. 2012. Web. 29 March 2016.
