Sectional Desertion: Big Cities After World War II Honors U.S. History

Money GDP increased from 200 to 500 billion dollars G.I. Bill – Low interest loans for vets to purchase homes and/or attend college Shortage of housing resulting from veterans –Suburbs outside of major cities growing –Levittown Baby Boom – Explosion of birth rate –Public Schools –College –Social Security/Retirement Levittown Original Documentary

Effects on Big Cities White Flight – Caucasian citizens leaving big cities after WWII –Cities were integrating before WWII –Big cities losing tax base Essential programs (education, police, etc) lose funding –Urban Renewal Program attempts to provide funding for blighted areas