Final answer:
The Manhattan Project significantly bolstered New Mexico's economy during and after World War II, providing jobs and infrastructure, and paving the way for continued federal investment in the region, which ensured sustained economic benefits beyond the period of immediate post-war prosperity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Manhattan Project had a profound economic impact on New Mexico and the United States as a whole, both during and after World War II. The project that culminated in the birth of the atomic bomb brought an influx of resources, including jobs and infrastructure, to New Mexico. The sheer scale of the project employed over 100,000 people in various capacities, such as scientific research and mining, creating an economic boom for areas involved in its operations.
Post-war, the legacy of the Manhattan Project continued to influence New Mexico's economy. While the broader post-WWII economy surged, benefitting from technological advancements and full employment, some communities did not enjoy the same prosperity. However, the technological and scientific infrastructure left in New Mexico laid the groundwork for ongoing federal investment and research in the region, including the continuation of nuclear research and development.
This ongoing federal investment helped offset the potential economic downturn that might have followed the end of the war and maintained a relatively stable economic environment within the state. As a result, New Mexico became a cornerstone in the burgeoning Cold War defense industry, which provided a sustained economic stimulus beyond the immediate post-war period.