Postwar Economics and Growth

New Industries 1947-Ford Motors opened new plant in Hapeville General Motors opened new plant in Doraville. Bell Aircraft became Lockheed  made aircrafts  by 1950’s was GA’s largest employer Office Parks were created to house offices in outlying areas of Atlanta.

Influential Atlanta Mayors William Hartsfield  Saw potential for ATL as aviation hub  Helped transform an old speedway into Candler field, the city’s first regional airport  Earned nickname “the Father of Atlanta Aviation”  Built a coalition of white businessmen and key African American leaders  Kept racial conflict under control during late 1940’s  Stated that “Atlanta is the city too busy to hate.”

Influential Atlanta Mayors Ivan Allen Jr.  Ordered city offices desegregated  Gave black policemen the authority to arrest whites  Led Atlanta through economic boom with his Forward Atlanta program  Wanted Atlanta to become the South’s center for Professional sports  Led the way in securing what is now known as Fulton County Stadium

Professional Sports Atlanta’s athletic facilities  Made it southern sports capital  Fueled its economic rise  Attracted major events 1996 Olympics

Professional Sports Braves (Baseball)  1966 from Milwaukee  Won World Series in 1995  Hank Aaron Broke Babe Ruth’s home run world record Experienced death threats from racists Falcons (Football)  1966  Played in Fulton County Stadium until GA Dome opened in 1990’s

Hawks (Basketball)  1960 from St. Louis  Played home games at GA Tech  Moved into Omni in early 70’s Flames (Hockey)  1972  Name commemorated Sherman’s burning of Atlanta  Eventually called the Thrashers

Contributors to Georgia’s Growth Project – due Wed. Contributors: new industries, new agri. Technology, Hartsfield, Allen, Arnall, sports teams, transportation systems Definition: what or who Summary: How did each contribute to the economy of Georgia? Illustrations: relevant illustration of each contributor Presentation: group presentation