The American Dream | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Match each keyword with its correct definition.

• consumerism

• schemes where consumers buy products without full upfront payment

• buy now, pay later

• the total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year

• GDP

• where growing amounts of non-essential goods are sold and purchased

Answer explanation

US GDP grew after WW2. This was helped by rising consumerism, including the use of 'buy now, pay later' schemes which made it easier for more people to purchase consumer goods.

How did average family incomes in the USA change between 1945 and 1954?

• rose by 60%

• rose by 30%

• remained the same

• fell by 30%

• fell by 60%

Answer explanation

Rising incomes are just one indicator of prosperity in the USA after WW2: average family incomes rose by 60% between 1945 and 1954.

What was the name of the idea that all Americans could become successful through hard work?

Answer explanation

The American Dream was the idea that all Americans could become successful through hard work.

What was the name of President Truman's plan to support those in poverty and tackle racial discrimination?

• Dream Deal

• Fair Deal

• Great Deal

• New Deal

Answer explanation

Truman's policies to address inequality were known as the Fair Deal. However, these policies faced significant political opposition and many were never carried out.

Which statement is most accurate about government aid in post-war America?

• Veterans received more assistance than women and African Americans.

• Women received more assistance than veterans and African Americans.

• African Americans received more assistance than women and veterans

Answer explanation

Veterans received more government assistance than women and African Americans. The GI Bill provided nearly nine million veterans with $4 billion of support.

In what way did female wages change between 1945 and 1951?

• increased but remained lower than male wages

• increased and became equal to male wages

• did not change

• decreased and fell even further behind male wages

Answer explanation

Like men, women enjoyed rising wages in post-war America. However, despite rising incomes, female wages remained lower than men's by 1951. In fact, women in 1951 were still paid less than men in 1945.