1940'1950

  • wartime production

    the us governments increases spending on wartime production helped stimulate the economy and pull the country out of the great depression
  • wage increases

    the national war labor board agreed to a 15% pay increase for union members
  • government spending

    government spending on defense and infrastructure helped stimulate economic growth
  • revenue act of 1942

    the act imposed the highest income taxation rates in American history, with the highest earners paying 91% tax on some of their income
  • Keynesian economics

    the government used fiscal policies to regulate and stabilize the economy, stimulating growth and preventing inflation
  • Breton woods agreement

    established the world bank and international monetary fund to fund loans for rebuilding infrastructure and smooth world commerce
  • labor union power

    labor unions exercised significant power and influence, with over 3 million workers going on strike in 1943
  • baby boom

    the post war period saw a significant increase in birth rates, driving demand for goods and services
  • GI bill

    provided veterans with education benefits, home loans, and unemployment compensation, increasing consumer spending
  • employment act

    promoted unemployment, production, and purchasing power, laying the economic responsibility of economic stability on the government
  • post-war consumer demand

    Americans were eager to buy new goods after years of wartime rationing, driving production and economic growth
  • technological advancements

    advancements in areas like aviation, electronics, and manufacturing contributed to economic growth
  • marshall plan

    provided $23 billion in aid to European countries, increasing industrialization and agriculture, maintaining markets for US goods
  • industrialization growth

    significant growth in various industries, driven by wartime innovations and post-war demand
  • automobile industry boom

    the automotive industry flourished as soilders returned home and families sought new cars