Prosperity was a defining characteristic of postwar America from "summary" of The affluent society by J.K. Galbraith
In the years following the Second World War, the United States experienced a period of unparalleled economic growth and material abundance. This era of prosperity was marked by a steady rise in living standards for the majority of Americans, as well as a significant increase in consumer spending on a wide range of goods and services. The postwar period was characterized by a sense of optimism and confidence in the future, as the country emerged from the devastation of war and embarked on a period of unprecedented economic expansion. This prosperity was fueled by a number of factors, including technological advancements, increased productivity, and government policies aimed at promoting economic growth and stability. One of the defining features of postwar America was the widespread availability of consumer goods and services that had previously been out of reach for many Americans. The rise of mass production and mass consumption led to a proliferation of new products and services, from automobiles and televisions to refrigerators and washing machines. This new era of prosperity also brought about significant changes in the way Americans lived and worked. The growth of the suburbs, the rise of the middle class, and the increasing importance of consumer culture all reflected the changing priorities and values of American society in the postwar years.- The concept of prosperity in postwar America was not simply about material wealth or economic growth, but also about the ways in which these changes impacted the lives of ordinary Americans. It was a time of increasing affluence and abundance, but also a time of social and cultural transformation that would shape the course of American society for decades to come.
