Writing PromptIn several paragraphs:A. Explain two reasons that a Levittown was needed in the 1950s.B. Explain two reasons why you think the new suburbs affected the urban core positively or negatively?

Levittown, PAFor millions of Americans in the 1950s, the American Dream became a reality. Within their reach was the chance to have a house on their own land, a car, a dog, and 2.3 kids.

Automobiles once again rolled off the assembly lines of the Big Three: Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. The Interstate Highway Act authorized the construction of thousands of miles of high-speed roads that made living farther from work a possibility.

‘Gettin’ Outa Town’ Racial fears,

affordable housing, and the desire to leave decaying cities were all factors that prompted many white Americans to flee to suburbia. And no individual promoted suburban growth more than William Levitt.

Contracted by the federal government during the war to quickly build housing for military personnel, Levitt applied the techniques of mass production to construction. Within one year, Levitt was building 36 houses per day in six different styles. His assembly-line approach made the houses extremely affordable. At first, the homes were available only to veterans. Eventually, though, Levittown was open to others as well.

Levitt Mass Production – 36 houses a Day!

“Little Boxes”

"As a Jew, I have no room in my mind or heart for racial prejudice,"

Levitt insisted in 1954. "But, by various means, I have come to know that if we sell one house to a Negro family, then 90 to 95 percent of our

white customers will not buy into the community. That is their attitude,

not ours.“--Bill Levitt

Levittown facts• GI Bill of Rights assured servicemen affordable

housing. Only 19% said they wanted to live in an older, used house.

• The first Levittown was in Long Island• The first African-American family moved in by

resale in 1957. There was a riot.• Only 1.8 percent of the families today in

Levittown are African-American• Rules were no clothes-hanging on Sunday and

no fences• 17,311 homes in 6 years

Writing PromptIn several paragraphs:A. Explain two reasons that a Levittown was needed in the 1950s.B. Explain two reasons why you think the new suburbs affected the urban core positively or negatively?

Repercussions of Levittown

• White flight (segregating races)• Housewife (Hotpoint Range)• More government $ spent on highways than

improving urban core• Traffic• Crowded schools• More room