Economy and los angeles sprawl

   Just as different changes in society caused the emergence of cars, the automobiles produced many other outcomes affecting politics, economy, and also structure of the United States. Charles Wilson, the director of General Motors in 1953, explained the effect of cars on the country’s politics when he stated that “what is good for America is good for GM” and vise versa (Hawley). In the 1950s, the United Auto Workers was the strongest union in the country (Hawley). The political effect of the automobiles showed through the strength it had on both the American workers and leaders. In 1953, GM had 45% of the market (Halbertan 129). Consequently in 1956, it had 51% of the market of cars (129). The increasing authority of the single car company in the market offered a clear view of the economic dominance and influence of the automobile industry. In 1956, the Eisenhower administration enacted the Interstate Highway Act which offered 40,000 miles of roads built throughout the United States (Hawley). In addition, McDonald’s became the first chain drive-in  restaurant in the country (Hawley). The passage of the Highway Act demonstrated the effect of cars on the structure of the country while the structure of the drive-through showed the country’s new style and way of life that depended on cars. The act showed a clear influence of the cars on the structure and design of the roads of transportation and their extent. Because of the emergence of cars as a major method of transportation, the different cars offered a change in the relations and styles of the American life.  

http://www.scribd.com/doc/80028038/Disecting-the-Landscape-Highways-That-Made-America

ECONOMY AND LOS ANGELES SPRAWL