The American Dream

This section explores the concept of the American Dream. After the Second World War, America experienced a period of rapid economic growth. This prosperity, often referred to as the "American Dream," symbolised the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, could achieve success and enjoy a comfortable standard of living through hard work. For millions of Americans, this dream seemed within reach as the country entered a time of peace, economic stability, and cultural development.

Post-War Prosperity

In 1944, the passing of the G.I. Bill of Rights played a crucial role in preventing a post-war economic downturn. By the early 1950s, the U.S. federal government had spent over $13 billion on various initiatives aimed at supporting war veterans. These included funding for education, job training, housing, and business loans for those who had served in the military. This investment helped strengthen the economy, enabling many veterans to build new lives and contribute to the nation's growth.

The period also witnessed a baby boom, beginning in 1946, which saw a record number of births. This new generation, known as the baby boomers, spurred an increased demand for housing. To meet this demand, large numbers of homes were mass-produced in suburban areas such as the famous Levittowns, developed by Levitt & Sons. These homes were often characterised by a white picket fence, neatly manicured lawns, and modern appliances, and they were affordable for many American families. Suburban home ownership became a cornerstone of the American Dream during this period.

In addition to housing, the post-war years were marked by a rise in consumerism, with products such as refrigerators, television sets, and cars in high demand. The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 led to the construction of an extensive national highway system, which helped to connect cities and promote suburban sprawl. This new infrastructure also allowed for the development of shopping malls, drive-in cinemas, and drive-thru restaurants, further shaping the consumer-driven culture of the time.

Despite this prosperity, not all Americans benefited equally. Many families continued to live below the poverty line, particularly in rural or economically disadvantaged urban areas. The contrast between the wealthy suburbs and impoverished inner cities highlighted the limitations of the American Dream for some.

President Harry S. Truman’s Fair Deal

In April 1945, following the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Vice President Harry S. Truman assumed the presidency. Truman was elected in his own right in 1948, and he continued Roosevelt’s legacy with his own set of reforms, collectively known as the Fair Deal. Some of Truman's achievements included:

• Desegregating the military: Through Executive Order 9981 in 1948, Truman ordered the desegregation of the U.S. military, a landmark decision in the fight for racial equality.
• Raising the minimum wage: Truman’s administration nearly doubled the federal minimum wage, increasing it from 40 cents to 75 cents per hour.
• Expanding Social Security: The Fair Deal also focused on extending the reach of Social Security, ensuring that more Americans had access to retirement and disability benefits.
• Slum clearance and affordable housing: Truman allocated funds for improving living conditions in urban slums and supporting the development of low-cost housing for families in need.
• Addressing racial injustice: Truman established a commission to investigate racial inequality in America, aiming to bring attention to the persistent problem of segregation and discrimination.

However, Truman faced significant opposition to certain aspects of his agenda. The Republican-controlled Congress blocked his attempt to introduce a national health insurance scheme, which was dismissed as "socialised medicine" by critics, including the American Medical Association. Additionally, Truman struggled to pass any civil rights laws due to opposition from Southern Democrats, who held political power in the southern states and were committed to maintaining segregation.

Despite these setbacks, Truman’s Fair Deal represented an important step forward in many areas of social reform, though it highlighted the challenges of implementing significant change in a deeply divided nation.