U. S. Government/Societal Changes and Opportunities for Minorities

Changing patterns in American society at the end of WW2 changed the way most Americans lived and worked.

A. Factors leading to changing patterns in U.S. society

What factors led to changing patterns of society in the post-WW2 era?

1. Strong economy (healthy job market, increased productivity, increased demand for American products)
2. The Baby Boom¹, which led to changing demographics (characteristics of a population)
3. Interstate highway system.
4. Changes in make-up of immigrants.

B. Better opportunities for military, women, and minorities

What policies and programs expanded educational and employment opportunities for the military, women, and minorities?

1. Greater U.S. investment in education.
2. Evolving role of women²
3. Eleanor Roosevelt³
4. African Americans' aspirations (goal) for equal opportunities. (Civil Rights Movement4)

C. Policies and programs expanding educational and employment opportunities

1. G. I. Bill⁵ of Rights gave education, housing, and employment benefits to WW2 veterans.
2. Harry Truman⁶ desegregated the armed forces.
3. Civil Rights legislation led to increased educational, economic, and political opportunities for women and minorities.