Suburban Growth

Definition

Suburban growth refers to the rapid expansion of residential areas located on the outskirts of urban centers, particularly significant during the post-World War II era in the United States. This phenomenon was driven by factors like increased automobile ownership, government policies favoring home loans, and a desire for more space and a better quality of life, which influenced social and economic patterns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suburban growth peaked in the 1950s and 1960s, as millions of Americans moved to suburban areas seeking affordable housing and a perceived better quality of life.
2. Government policies, like the GI Bill and mortgage subsidies, made it easier for returning veterans to purchase homes in suburbs, leading to a significant increase in home ownership.
3. The rise of the automobile culture allowed families to commute from suburban homes to jobs in urban centers, making suburban living more feasible.
4. Suburbs were often designed with single-family homes, green spaces, and shopping centers, catering to families looking for a community-oriented lifestyle.
5. This growth also led to challenges such as urban decay in cities, as resources shifted away from urban areas and contributed to socioeconomic divides.

Review Questions

• How did government policies after World War II contribute to suburban growth?
  • After World War II, government policies like the GI Bill and various mortgage subsidies made home ownership more accessible for returning veterans. These programs offered low-interest loans with favorable terms, encouraging families to buy homes in suburban areas rather than remaining in urban centers. This shift towards home ownership facilitated a dramatic increase in suburban development as many Americans sought out affordable housing options outside of crowded cities.
• Evaluate the social impacts of suburban growth on American society during the mid-20th century.
  • Suburban growth significantly altered American society by creating new community dynamics centered around family life and consumer culture. As families flocked to suburbs seeking spacious homes and safe environments for children, this led to the development of new schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. However, it also sparked issues such as 'white flight', where white residents moved away from racially integrated urban areas, leading to increased segregation and socio-economic disparities between urban and suburban communities.
• Analyze the long-term implications of suburban growth on urban centers and overall American development.
  • The long-term implications of suburban growth have been profound, impacting not only urban centers but also shaping American economic and social landscapes. As resources and populations shifted towards suburbs, many cities faced decline, leading to urban decay characterized by vacant properties and reduced tax bases. This shift prompted discussions about sustainable development, transportation infrastructure, and equity in access to services. Over time, suburban growth contributed to the rise of a car-centric culture while also reinforcing patterns of segregation that continue to influence American society today.

Related terms

Levittown:

A planned community in New York, famous for being one of the first mass-produced suburbs in the United States, symbolizing post-war suburban development.

White Flight: The phenomenon where white residents moved from urban areas to suburbs, often influenced by racial tensions and the search for better living conditions.

Interstate Highway System:

A network of highways that facilitated the movement of people and goods across the country, contributing significantly to suburban expansion by making commuting easier.