The first graph on this page shows an impressive rise in the Gross National Product from 1940 to 1970.  The GNP is a measure of the dollar value of all the goods and services a nation produces in a year.  The graph shows a rapidly growing economy that brought a rising standard of living to most Americans during this period.

   (The GNP is similar to the GDP, the Gross Domestic Product, although there are a few technical differences.)

   The first graph on this page shows an important measure of economic health in the nation:  home ownership rates. During the period shown on the graph, the home ownership rate rose from about 43 percent to about 62 percent.
 
   The figure is considered important because of many social benefits related to home ownership.  Owning a home tends to tie families together and to a community.

   There is no simple and agreed-upon definition of  "The American Dream," but normally the term stands for attainment of financial security for oneself and one's family, and a fair chance of reaching one's personal goals.  Often, owning one's own house is considered a big part of achieving such success.
   The graphs shown here are strong arguments that the American Dream was being achieved by a high percentage of citizens.  Income, home ownership, and spending figures are all headed up during the 1950s.
   Certainly, many examples can be found of poverty and social barriers to upward mobility in this period.  Race, class, and sex discrimination could and did frustrate the hopes of many millions of Americans. 
   Looking broadly at the nation in the 1950s, however, it is no exaggeration to say that no other society in history has offered so much opportunity to so many people.  Across all social lines, there were clear signs the future would be even better, and that injustice and prejudice were steadily being pushed back.