The Cold War THE UNITED STATES AFTER WORLD WAR II

Americans were trying to get back to normal after World War II. Instead of worrying about problems overseas, people were thinking about being out of work.

Some women who had worked in factories during World War II were replaced by the soldiers who returned. Government officials felt women should be glad to give up the "dirty" jobs.

Many returning soldiers were able to find good jobs. They were able to buy houses and automobiles. Many began raising families. Because of this, there was a boom.

A new law called the GI Bill gave money to ex-soldiers, so they could go to college. Colleges became crowded with men returning to school. The GI Bill also helped soldiers pay for their homes, farms, and businesses. The bill also helped veterans reenter the job market.

Between 1946 and 1948 many families began having children. This was called the Baby Boom. During this time many white families moved to the suburbs away from the cities. Most of the African American families remained in the city.

US Birth Rates from 1909-2008. The number of births per thousand people in the United States. The red segment is known as the Baby Boomer period.

US Birth Rates from 1909-2008. The number of births per thousand people in the United States. The red segment is known as the Baby Boomer period.

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