Urbanization of Texas

Urbanization of Texas

Today........

We will analyze and interpret geographic distributions and patterns in Texas during the 20th century.

I will complete my Quizziz lesson.

E.Q. How did life change for Americans and Texans after WW2?

Urban Growth

During the WW2 some 450,000 people moved to Texas to work. Most of these people settled in urban areas. By 1950 some 7.7 million people lived in Texas. By 1960 the state's population reached 9.6 million.

Open Ended

How did the lives of women change after WWII? Was it better or worse? Did they have equal rights?

Fill in the Blank

Hundreds of thousands of Americans left the country or small town and moved to the ___________ >

Multiple Choice

After WW2 more people shopped for groceries at a ........

• neighborhood market

• supermarket

G. I. Bill

This bill provided federal funds to help returning GIs (soldiers and sailors) make the transition to civilian (non-military) life. Those funds would make it easier for many war veterans to continue their education and to buy a home.

Post War Economy

During World War II, Americans had saved their money. Americans were ready to spend as soon as factories could convert from war production to consumer goods.Not only were Americans spending more money than ever before, they were also spending it in different places.

Industries Grow

Industries that had grown rapidly during WWII continued to draw people to cities. Aircraft manufacturers, electronic firms, and oil refineries all still needed workers. People also began finding jobs in service industries like healthcare, banking, plumbing, and construction.

Texas Cities

The growth of industries also dramatically changed the look of Texas cities. What had once been quiet towns were rapidly growing into cities, with skyscrapers.

McDonalds is born

As the economic boom continued, new service industries began to compete for the consumer’s dollar. Consumers liked that McDonald's was clean, fast, and cheap. In addition, the burgers tasted good, and it was not necessary to tip anyone.

New Roads

The popularity of the automobile promoted urbanization in Texas. The number of cars in Texas rose from 1.7 million to 3 million. To handle these cars thousands of miles of new roads were built.

Interstate Highway

In 1940 Texas only had 19,000 miles of paved roads. By 1950 it grew to 34,000 miles. These roads linked Texas cities to one another. In big cities 4 lane expressways were built. These expressways became part of the Interstate Highway System.

Open Ended

What are the benefits of having the Interstate Highway System in the United States?

Air Transportation

Air transportation also expanded. By the late 1950s, Love Field in Dallas was one the nation's busiest airports.

1950's Culture

Economic prosperity after WW2 allowed many Texas families to buy their own homes. Texans also enjoyed a new form of communication and entertainment, the television.

Open Ended

List 3 things you learned today.

Poll

Which minority group benefited the least from life after WW2?

• Women

• African Americans

Mark assignment as done in GC.