Welcome to the 1950's
Interstate Highway System/Auto Mania
Home
The Red Scare
The Arms Race
Consumer Economy
The New Mass Media
New Music Craze/Beatniks
Interstate Highway System/Auto Mania
Advances in Medicine and Childcare
Men's and Women's Roles in Society
Moving to the Suburbs
The 1952 Election
Bibliography

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     In the 1950's cars gained popularity and became a status symbol. Automakers began introducing new models annually to satisfy the growing demand. Sales increased by over 50 percent. Even the government took notice and began to create highways. The 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act, also known as the Interstate Highway Act provided $25 billion to build an interstate highway system over 40,000 miles long. Car culture sparked the rise of new businesses such as gas stations, repair shops, and parts stores. Many people, mostly teenagers went to drive -in movies and restaurants.

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