Final answer:
The construction of highways and interstates after WWII led to the growth of suburbia, a booming automobile culture, and economic shifts favoring the auto-related industries. While enhancing connectivity and military preparedness, these developments caused the decline of small towns and reduced public transportation options.
Step-by-step explanation:
After World War II, the construction of more highways and interstates led to significant changes in American society. With the surge in automobile ownership, the need for infrastructure grew, resulting in the expansive development of the Interstate Highway System. This grand network of roads facilitated rapid suburban expansion and altered travel and transportation, fostering an automobile culture. Suburban development boomed as people found it easier to commute to cities from outlying areas, leading to the formation of what is known as suburbia. The economy also transformed, with industries relating to auto production, such as glass, steel, rubber, and especially oil, experiencing substantial growth.
However, while the Interstate Highway System improved national connectivity and aided in defense preparedness, it also had social and economic drawbacks. Small towns and businesses often found themselves bypassed by these high-speed roads, facing economic decline as a result. Additionally, increased investment in highways meant reduced funding for public transportation, limiting options for those without cars and reinforcing the dependency on automobiles for mobility.