Final answer:
Texas landscape was significantly altered by the automobile's popularity, with infrastructure expansion, suburban development, and economic opportunities in various service industries. The rise of car culture diminished the role of mass transit and propelled industries tied to automobile production and maintenance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The increasing popularity of automobiles led to several significant modifications to the Texas landscape. To accommodate the growing number of vehicles, expansion of infrastructure such as local and state highways was a priority. This supported the development of suburban growth, as people could now live farther from city centers and commute to work by car.
Furthermore, the rise of automobile culture contributed to the establishment of new economic opportunities, like motels, restaurants, and service stations, catering to the needs of the mobile population. The automobile also influenced the decline of mass transit systems like streetcars, as private car ownership became more common. Overall, the cultural shift towards a car-centric society profoundly changed the physical and social landscape of Texas.
Moreover, this bespoke the beginnings of an interstate highway system, a national network facilitating cross-country travel and commerce. The transformation of cities and the proliferation of suburbs were facilitated by the automobile's dominance over other forms of transportation, reshaping American life in myriad ways. The automobile influence had implications not just in urban planning and infrastructure, but also in promoting industries such as oil, rubber, and steel in Texas and beyond.