In a 7-page essay expertly compare and contrasts how historians have interpreted the role of prosperity and consumerism in America in the post-WWII era. Be sure that the essay has a thesis and/or main claim that is comprehensive. The essence of the paper is contained within the thesis. The thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear. Also, please have a clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative. Lastly, please be sure to use the proper Chicago style citation and bibliography. Be sure that the page numbers where information was taken (from books, journals, etc), in order to write the paper, is present for the footnotes and bibliography.

--

Introduction

Although it only lasted for one decade, the Great Depression of 1929-139 was the worst ever experienced in America. Just as American citizens thought things were returning to normalcy, America joined the Second World War after only one and a few months after the end of the depression. The citizens experienced another tormenting moment. Immediate shortage of products was created. Auto production had to stop immediately, and consumer goods such as fuel and rubber were rationed. Although this period had seen an increase in employment rates and high income, consumers were left without anything to buy or spend their money on. Americans had to wait for another four years to have a chance of spending their money. All this time long people were working, earning a lot of money but could not buy as they wish. Immediately after the end of Second World War in 1945, America experienced phenomenal economic growth[1]. Almost every sector was booming, and the historians and scholars refer to this period as the period of prosperity and consumerism in America. Hence prosperity and consumerism after the World War Two played a vital role in the rapidity and variety of economic growth that resulted in high population rates, increased home ownership, and growth of various industries.

Even though the post-World War Two period coincided with the Cold War, economic growth in America was not deterred[2]. Of course