Final answer:
The highway system consists of motor vehicles, streets, traffic signals, and people. It was notably expanded after WWII, leading to both economic growth and urban transformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The highway system is composed of motor vehicles, streets, traffic signals, and people. As automobile ownership increased, so did the need for a comprehensive network of roads. The interstate highway system expanded dramatically after World War II, driven by both economic factors and national defense considerations. The highways improved the ability to travel across the nation and led to the growth of the automotive and oil industries. However, this expansion also had negative impacts, such as the destruction of urban neighborhoods and the decline of public transportation systems. Moreover, rapid freeway construction often bypassed small towns, affecting local businesses and changing the urban landscape.
With the increased dependency on motor vehicles, industries like steel, rubber, and glass grew to meet car production demands. The oil industry expanded significantly as the nation shifted from coal to a petroleum-based economy. The construction of highways not only revolutionized travel and trade but also shaped where Americans lived, worked, and shopped, encouraging the development of suburban areas. The Federal Highway Act of 1956 was pivotal in constructing the federal interstate system, primarily aimed at mobilizing military forces efficiently but subsequently impacting civilian life profoundly.