Urbanization of Texas

This bill provided federal funds to help returning GIs (soldiers and sailors) make the transition to civilian (non-military) life. Those funds would make it easier for many war veterans to continue their education and to buy a home.

Industries that had grown rapidly during WWII continued to draw people to cities. Aircraft manufacturers, electronic firms, and oil refineries all still needed workers. People also began finding jobs in service industries like healthcare, banking, plumbing, and construction.

As the economic boom continued, new service industries began to compete for the consumer’s dollar. Consumers liked that McDonald's was clean, fast, and cheap. In addition, the burgers tasted good, and it was not necessary to tip anyone.

The popularity of the automobile promoted urbanization in Texas. The number of cars in Texas rose from 1.7 million to 3 million. To handle these cars thousands of miles of new roads were built.

In 1940 Texas only had 19,000 miles of paved roads. By 1950 it grew to 34,000 miles. These roads linked Texas cities to one another. In big cities 4 lane expressways were built. These expressways became part of the Interstate Highway System.

Economic prosperity after WW2 allowed many Texas families to buy their own homes. Texans also enjoyed a new form of communication and entertainment, the television.