Answer: planned obsolescence
Step-by-step explanation:
The trend that became commonplace during the mid-1900s, which caused consumer goods to eventually fail and forced consumers to buy newer versions, is planned obsolescence.
Planned obsolescence is a business strategy where companies intentionally design products with a limited lifespan or usability in order to encourage consumers to buy newer versions. This can be achieved through various means such as using lower quality materials, limiting repair options, or introducing new features that make previous versions obsolete.
This trend became common during the rise of middle-class consumerism as companies realized that by creating products that had a limited lifespan, they could encourage consumers to purchase newer versions more frequently, driving sales and profits. This also created a culture of consumerism where people felt the need to constantly upgrade their possessions in order to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.
Overall, planned obsolescence has had a significant impact on consumer culture and the environment, as it has contributed to the production of large amounts of waste and the consumption of finite resources.