15.2 Suburban expansion and housing market growth

After World War II, America experienced a suburban boom. Economic prosperity, the baby boom, and increased car ownership drove families to seek homes outside cities. This expansion reshaped American society, creating new living patterns and cultural norms.

Government policies played a crucial role in fueling suburban growth. Programs like FHA loans and the GI Bill made homeownership more accessible, while tax incentives encouraged people to buy homes. These changes had lasting impacts on urban development and social dynamics in the United States.

Post-War Suburban Expansion

Factors of suburban growth

Top images from around the web for Factors of suburban growth

• 

  The Rise of Suburbs | United States History II View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Post–World War II economic expansion - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Post–World War II baby boom - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Rise of Suburbs | United States History II View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Post–World War II economic expansion - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Factors of suburban growth

• 

  The Rise of Suburbs | United States History II View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Post–World War II economic expansion - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Post–World War II baby boom - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Rise of Suburbs | United States History II View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Post–World War II economic expansion - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Post-World War II economic boom fueled increased consumer spending and rising wages boosted disposable income
• Baby boom drove up demand for family housing as population surged
• Automobile ownership expansion facilitated by improved road infrastructure and Interstate Highway System development (1956)
• Technological advancements enabled mass production techniques in housing construction and prefabricated housing materials (Levittown)
• Racial tensions and "white flight" from urban centers pushed many to seek homogeneous communities
• Desire for open spaces and perceived safer environments attracted families to suburban areas
• Availability of undeveloped land on urban peripheries allowed for rapid expansion

Government policies for homeownership

• Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offered mortgage insurance programs, lowered down payment requirements, and extended repayment terms
• Veterans Administration (VA) loans provided no down payment options for eligible veterans and competitive interest rates
• GI Bill of Rights granted education and training benefits for veterans increasing earning potential and homeownership ability
• Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) created secondary mortgage market increasing liquidity for lenders
• Tax policies incentivized homeownership through mortgage interest deduction and property tax deductions

Social and Cultural Impact

Impact of suburbanization

• Urban population decline led to loss of tax base in cities and reduced funding for urban public services
• Racial segregation perpetuated through redlining practices and restrictive covenants in suburban developments (Levittown)
• Economic disparities widened with concentration of poverty in urban areas while wealth accumulated through suburban homeownership
• Educational inequalities grew due to funding disparities between urban and suburban schools
• Transportation challenges arose from increased reliance on automobiles and limited public transit options in suburbs
• Environmental impacts included urban sprawl, loss of green spaces, and increased pollution from commuting

Cultural implications of suburban living

• Nuclear family structure emphasized shifting away from extended family living arrangements
• Gender roles reinforced "breadwinner" husband and "homemaker" wife model (Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique")
• Consumer culture grew with increased focus on home appliances and furnishings (washing machines, TVs)
• Community design changes prioritized private spaces over public gathering areas
• Television influenced suburban culture portraying idealized suburban life in media ("Leave It to Beaver")
• Youth culture emerged with teenager as a distinct social category (drive-in movies, malt shops)
• Homogenization of suburban landscapes created cookie-cutter housing developments
• Civic engagement shifted emphasis to local suburban governance
• Religious practices evolved with growth of suburban churches and synagogues
• Leisure activities transformed featuring backyard barbecues and neighborhood socializing