Which of the following statements about the 1950s is true?

• A. Prosperity did not affect everyday life
• B. Real wages did not rise
• C. Interstate highways did not expand
• D. Real wages rose and roads and homes expanded

Answer: (D)

During the 1950s, Americans experienced rising real wages and a flood of growth in both roads and housing. Real wages climbed as productivity surged after World War II, keeping up with or outpacing inflation and boosting purchasing power for everyday goods. This era also saw a strong push toward home ownership, with government-backed mortgage programs and incentives making houses more affordable for many families, contributing to the widespread suburban expansion. At the same time, the interstate highway system was launched in 1956 and rapidly extended across the country, transforming travel, commerce, and daily life. Together, these trends show how prosperity reached into ordinary life, with higher wages and more roads and homes shaping the decade.