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.
Answer the following question:
Discuss how the automobile positively or negatively impacted American society.
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Negative effects:
- The automobile led to air pollution and traffic congestion.
- The automobile made it easier for people to live in isolated communities, which could lead to social problems.
- The automobile made it easier for people to drive while intoxicated, which led to an increase in drunk driving accidents.
- The automobile made it easier for people to get away with crime, as they could easily flee the scene of a crime.
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 leading to air pollution and traffic congestion.
It is important to note that the impact of the automobile on American society was not uniform. The positive effects of the automobile were felt more by people who lived in the suburbs and who had the means to own a car. The negative effects of the automobile were felt more by people who lived in cities and who did not have a car.
The automobile is still a major part of American society today. It is hard to imagine what life would be like without cars. However, it is important to be aware of the both the positive and negative effects of the automobile on society.