In the 1950s the United States enjoyed a broad-based, unprecedented level of prosperity. Rising purchasing power, expanding credit, and a rapidly growing advertising industry stimulated consumerism. One industry that rapidly developed and expanded was the automobile industry. During the 1950s, Americans purchased 58 million cars. By 1960, 75 percent of American families owned one. The automobile created mobility on a scale not known before, and the automobile industry became a vital element in the economy. It became one of the world's major manufacturing industries. The automobile dramatically impacted American society, whether you owned one or not.
Discuss how the automobile positively or negatively impacted American society.
Do you agree or disagree with the the assessment that has been made on the importance of the automobile?
Full Answer Section
- The automobile helped to change the way people lived and worked. People could now live farther away from their jobs, and they could shop and go to entertainment venues in different places. This led to a more mobile and less community-oriented society.
Negative impacts:
- The automobile contributed to air pollution and traffic congestion. As more cars were on the road, air quality declined and traffic became more congested.
- The automobile made it easier for people to drive while intoxicated. This led to an increase in drunk driving accidents.
- The automobile made it easier for people to commit crimes. Cars could be used to escape from the scene of a crime, and they could also be used as weapons.
- The automobile led to the decline of public transportation. As more people bought cars, they stopped using public transportation. This made it more difficult for people who could not afford cars to get around.
Overall, the automobile had a mixed impact on American society. It had some positive effects, such as giving people more freedom and mobility. However, it also had some negative effects, such as contributing to air pollution and traffic congestion.
I agree with the assessment that the automobile was a vital element in the economy and had a major impact on American society. The automobile helped to create jobs and businesses, and it also helped to change the way people lived and worked. However, I also believe that the automobile had some negative impacts, such as contributing to air pollution and traffic congestion.