17. The GI Bill led to the development of suburbs and exodus from the cities
Returning World War II veterans found the lure of home ownership one of the biggest enticements under the GI Bill. The benefits were slanted towards new homes, rather than the purchase of existing structures, by offering better terms for the former. This in turn created a demand for new construction in the suburbs of American cities, boosting construction jobs. It also required the building of new infrastructure, another boon to the economy. Veterans who opted to enroll in school upon returning to the United States received not only assistance with tuition, but with housing and sustenance as well. All veterans who had served more than 90 days and were not discharged dishonorably received the same benefits, regardless of the length of service.
Thus the demographic group which identifies as America’s “Greatest Generation” was the first to receive extensive federal assistance during an economic downturn, and the first to receive assistance with subsidized loans for housing, paid tuition, loans for farms, loans for businesses, free business support and training, and fifty-two weeks of paid unemployment, during which time they had no demands through which to qualify for it. When they retired, they were ensured of Social Security payments to supplement their savings and pensions. No preceding American generation received so many benefits from the liberal policies of the federal government. And there were more to come.