Interpret the Evidence
Why would the Ford Motor Company favor expanding Route 128 (Document 25.11)? What benefits of expanding the highway are shown in this video? What potential hazards are left out?
How does the Redbook film depict suburban life (Document 25.12)? How does it portray life in the city? What are the “particular interests and particular goals” of the “young adults” of the suburbs? Who seems to be left out of this story?
How would you describe Harry Henderson’s view of the suburbs (Document 25.13)? What advantages does he identify? What are the potential negatives of suburban living?
How does Malvina Reynolds describe the suburbs (Document 25.14)? Do you think she would have agreed with Harry Henderson’s assessment of suburban life? Why or why not? Who do you think was the intended audience for this song?
According to Jackie Robinson, why did most suburban developments remain racially homogeneous (Document 25.15)? What does Robinson propose as a solution to this problem?
Put It in Context
What economic, social, and political forces encouraged the growth of the suburbs in the 1950s?