Post-War Suburbanization: The Factors Driving America’s Shift

The post-World War II era in the United States saw a significant shift in population dynamics towards suburban areas. This phenomenon was driven by several interconnected factors, including the widespread adoption of cars, the availability of cheap timber, and the climatic conditions of the region. These factors together transformed American urban landscapes and influenced where and how people chose to live.

The Role of the Car in Suburban Expansion

One of the primary drivers of suburbanization was the relative affordability of automobiles. Prior to the widespread use of cars, people had to live close to essential services such as stores and schools because they had to walk or ride on horse-drawn carriages. However, the advent of the car dramatically altered this dynamic, allowing individuals to live farther from these necessity locations. The car was not only a tool for transportation but also an enabler for lower-density housing. This shift was already evident before World War II, as evidenced by typical town planning designs like the one mentioned, where residential lots were significantly larger than commercial ones. The larger residential lots not only provided more space for families but also offered a potential escape from the high costs and high density of city living.

Cheap Timber and Its Impact on Housing

Another crucial factor was the cheap and abundant supply of timber in the United States. Unlike in many other parts of the world where construction materials like stone and brick were predominant, the United States had an abundant, easily-accessible, and easily-milled supply of coniferous timber that made wooden houses a common sight. This preference for wooden houses had several implications. For one, wooden houses required more space to be safe, particularly considering the risk of fires such as the Great Chicago Fire. Additionally, in a region with a higher population density, these large residential lots were possible due to the relatively lower population density in the United States. Furthermore, the hot summer weather in much of the United States, except for coastal and mountainous regions, led to a preference for low-rise housing with ample outdoor space. This was to accommodate larger lots where basements, covered porches, and shaded spaces could be better utilized, making hot climates more livable.

Social and Economic Considerations

While technological and environmental factors played a significant role, social and economic considerations also influenced the suburban movement. Individuals preferred the suburbs, and despite the potential for long commutes, they continued to choose suburban living due to its affordability. Suburban areas offered a balance of space and lower cost of living, making them an attractive alternative to the cities. Furthermore, the pattern of house building often went through a cycle of speculation and sub-contracting, where individuals would build houses on the expectation of selling them, often employing other individuals as sub-contractors. This practice was comfortable and financially beneficial for the builders who often worked on a cash basis and were frequently immigrants or individuals seeking self-employment. The culture of working and living in the suburbs was therefore reinforced by these economic incentives.

Suburbanization in the United States post-World War II was a multifaceted process driven by a combination of technological, environmental, and social factors. The relative affordability and convenience of car ownership, the abundance of cheap timber, and the climatic conditions of the region all played a crucial role in shaping the American landscape. Furthermore, the economic and social benefits of suburban living, including affordability and economic opportunities for builders and buyers, further cemented the trend.