World Crossroads
1945 to Today
World War II made the United States a world leader with an exciting future. Post-war Dallas identified new directions and, following national tragedy, reinvented itself for the 21st century. In the immediate post-war era, communities saw their boundaries expand dramatically, and once-sleepy county towns became boomtowns. The Metroplex blossomed from national significance to international prominence during this period. Dallas County became noted for a television show, professional sports and its concentration of Fortune 500 corporations. The future of Dallas County begins here.
After the War: A New Beginning
The people of Dallas County pursued education, careers and homeownership. The “baby boom” built large families. The automobile and new highways ended the reign of public transportation. Television became part of daily life and the arts and architecture embraced new forms. Changes in local governance gave more citizens a real voice in choosing their own representation.
Racism continued to cast a shadow, but resistance gained strength and success. Rosie the Riveter returned to a narrow domestic role, then began to resist limitations. Older ideas for positive social change became reality, but not all inequities were ended. It was generally an era of great, if imperfect, advancement.
Era of Social Change
The U. S. had won the war in the name of freedom and the economy was booming—but not everybody shared equally in freedom and opportunity. Throughout the 1950s, African Americans were subject to segregation in nearly every aspect of daily life, including housing, transportation, shopping, and amusements. But previously marginalized people who had who had fought, worked, and shared in winning the war would not remain quiet about the inequality of society.
Boosters and Entrepreneurs in a Modern World
The post-war period was an exciting time of new possibilities. New technology brought ease and comfort to everyday life, and created new professional opportunities for workers. But Dallas County would not get its share of the national bounty without effort. Every community in the United State competed for business investment and population growth.
Culture, Arts and Sports in a Thriving Region
Post-war progress included improvements in funding and technology for pleasure. Television was new, movies became more spectacular, and money poured into the performing and visual arts. Organized, professional sports that had just begun to be part of people’s lives before the war grew into a major industry and an important part of people’s lives.