Economics
The Engine That Runs Industry, Power, and Finance
The Automotive Industry Prospers
When: Throughout 1950's
Location: Across America
Cause: Gas and industrial prices drop significantly after war since industry could now be directed to living needs instead of war material
Reason: Industry could now be directed to living needs instead of war material
Result: Leads to an apparent appreciation in sales toward automobile goods, and therefore highway and gas station construction
Significance: Americans were now much more reliant on gasoline and oil; in time, this would lead to international disputes, including the semi-recent Middle East tensions; also cause of safety hazards inducing car crashes and occasional death
To Whom: American citizens, American government and trade systems
Map of Interstate Highways in America
Ford Now Had Competition to Contend to
Missouri Begins Highway Construction
Franchising Innovates the Business World
When: Started in the '50's, still applied to today's businesses
Location: Across America, later used internationally
Cause: Business owners wanted to maximize profits and improve general recognition from public
Reason: More profit would allow the companies to grow, become more powerful, and make a select few extremely wealthy
Result: Popularized restaurants across the country, allowed for more jobs and easier access to desired goods, including food, utilities, commodities, and clothing
Significance: Led to today massive amounts of networked businesses, created a challenge for independent businesses to gain a threshold in the competitive economy, certain chains including fast food would promote obesity and unhealthy dieting; created millions of jobs over the last few decades
To Whom: American businessmen and citizens
One of the first McDonald's, along with its infamous "15 cents" sign
Firestone Auto Care makes it mark in the 1950's
The original Dunkin' Donuts, opened in 1955