Late 1930s and 1940s: Reeling from the effects of the Great Depression, Americans conserved their money.

1950s: Americans became avid consumers, spending more and more money to buy the new products that technological advances provided them.

Today: With the advent of shopping services on the Internet and television, as well as the proliferation of shopping malls (which first began in the 1950s), and a strong economy, consumerism defines much of American life.

Late 1930s and 1940s: Population growth was at a virtual standstill. People did not want to have children for whom they could not provide. 1950s: America experienced a baby boom related to the Improved economy. The American people thought that having more Americans would better support the growing economy.

Today: The Baby Boomers are aging, causing increased concerns about health care, while an increasing percentage of population growth is due to a...