THE “COLD” WAR STARTS…. **WHAT IS THE COLD WAR?? **HOW DID THE SHIFT FROM WARTIME TO PEACETIME EFFECT LIFE IN AMERICA?? Effects of WW II

Post WWII credit purchases- families wanted the new consumer goods inflation –controls on prices were lifted -consumer goods in short supply. passage of GI bill, education and housing benefits- veterans were guaranteed a house by the government – led to mass production of houses (Ex. Levittown on Long Island) increased consumer spending – people starting families were buying new homes

Post WW II Workers gained wages and better working conditions – 80,000 women aircraft workers laid off- Women went back to more traditional fields Conversion from war material to consumer goods – servicemen flooded the market- industries increased their work forces labor unions became more powerful – pay raises were on hold during the war(( automobile, steel, meatpacking, electrical miners and railroad workers all went on strike) Changing role of women in the work force- going back to housewife

CAUSE AND EFFECT OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES after WWII Baby Boom Air conditioning /// television “Migration” to the South…WHY?? Suburbs Increased travel for business and pleasure Truman- desegregation of the military (GI Bill) Greater access to communication