Economics
Poverty Line
Nearly 1/4 of Americans were living below the poverty line (which was set at about $2,973). Many of these people were elderly, single parents, or members of minority groups including Latinos, Native Americans, and African Americans. The poverty line is the amount of money a person needs to have in order to survive. Since so many were under this line, they were left hungry, and in cheap, run-down inner-city apartments.
Industries Boom
TV, radio, music, movies, and fast-food industries boomed. This led to an increase in the advertising industry. All across America, people were going out to fast food restaurants, like McDonald's, and buying records from popular musical artists such as Elvis Presley.