URBS ESSAY
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California State University, Northridge *
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310
Subject
History
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by ProfessorDolphinPerson954
In 1000 words or more, identify and explain what Kenneth T. Jackson means by
"the drive-in culture" we have in the United States. Start by reading the entire
piece carefully, taking notes on the entire reading. Tease out Jackson's main
points/arguments and use them as the foundation for your writing. Identify at
least five 'reasons' for
how
the landscape of the U.S. became this way.
Remember, the building of this "drive-in culture" wasn't just a response to
people's "desire" to drive. Carefully read the first 5 pages of Jackson's piece for
help on this part of the essay. Next, identify at least five things that we can see
(features, structures, characteristics, etc.) in the landscape that evolved and
developed as key components of the drive-in culture. EXPLAIN EVERYTHING.
Assume I know nothing. Omit any small dates, numbers, or tiny factoids.
Convince me that you've: read the entire piece, you understand it, and you can
provide me with what I'm looking for. If I see lots of tiny details in the essay, I'll
take 3 points off the top. Make sure your essay is carefully structured, proofread,
and does all that I ask above. Once complete, paste your words into the
submission space. Please spend the time. The assignment is due by 9:30am, 3/8.
It is worth up to TEN points. Text entry only. No file uploads.
3)Next, identify at least five things that we can see (features, structures,
characteristics, etc.) in the landscape that evolved and developed as key
components of the drive-in culture. EXPLAIN EVERYTHING.
In The Drive of culture of Contemporary America Jackson writes about the evolution of
America post World War II.He explains how the growth of how families owning motor
vehicles restructured the pattern of everyday life for Americans and human society in
general. Jackson described “the drive in culture“ as; residential structures that have been
redesigned to accommodate mortorized vehicles. Before World War II 41 % of American
families did not own any motor vehicles. Post-war the number of automobiles owned
increased by about 200 % while the human population only grew 50%. It got to the point
where a car was what identified people instead of the cities they live in.The question was
always what car does he drive, instead of where is he from? The increase of automobiles
wasn't only American families, Europeans, and Japanese also matched this growth of
owned mortar vehicles. Kenneth argues that love Americans had for automobiles
negatively impacted public transportation and suburban architecture. Instead of using our
massive amounts of land to expand our cities for our citizens to enjoy, roads and
highways were created for motor vehicles to navigate.
The love that Americans had for motor vehicles or the “desire” to drive was not the only
reason that this drive in culture was created. Robert Moses who at the time was known as
the greatest builder the world had ever seen and was a big influence on the drive in
culture. He was the person who encouraged local offices to launch major road building in
their cities. One of the most important arguments for this drive in culture was the
campaign for the defense through decentralization. The idea was that the United States
should disperse large cities into smaller ones in order to avoid national destruction in case
of a nuclear attack. In 1954 president Dwight Eisenhower studied the requirements for
the nation's highways.This ultimately led to the interstate highway act in 1956 for a
42500-mile system benefiting trucks and cars. This law did not take cities and suburbs
into consideration. The four reasons given for this law were that roads were unsafe, traffic
jams, high cost transportation due to poor roads, and the evacuation of citizens through
these roads in cause of any attacks. The drive for this change isn't because of people's
desire to drive. It was because of needs the country had.
One of the main structures that encouraged the development of the drive in culture was
the garage. Originally it wasn't of significant importance, and its purpose was to be used
as a storage space. They were first created as portable structures usually placed at the rear
of homes such as the ones in Quebec. During this time cars were thought of as something
similar as the horse and not necessarily something that one had to be so close too. After
the World war garages became an essential part of a household compared to before where
the majority of house owners were ashamed of their garages. The garage became
essential because of the love that Americans grew for their vehicles. The love became so
great that they looked at the car almost as a family member that needed to be cared over
and sheltered. This led to the garage being built as a part of the household taking up a big
space. This gave homeowners easy access from their garage to their homes but most
importantly to their cars.Garages were very important in states such as California having
garages that fit two cars almost making the house an accessory to the garage itself.
Another structure that played an important role in the development of the drive in culture
was the motel, a structure that would create an instantly recognizable image to the
automobile traveller. Increasing number of travelers created a market for the hotel, and
the middle 1900s every city had one. It started off as just spaces or cabins but shortly
after rooms began to be placed along the sides of highways.Motels started to thrive after
the world war attracting lots of middle-class families. Studies showed that most of the
customers were only staying for short periods of time. This encouraged people to travel
because they not only had a secure place to stay for themselves but also their vehicles
which were usually parked outside their rooms giving them easy access.
Americans loving cars and films drive in movie theaters were the next big part of the
development of the drive in culture. Drive-in theaters offered cheap prices which led to
them playing second grade films.The thought of being in your vehicle and being able to
watch movies really caught people's attention. By the year 1958 there were more than
4,000 screens across the country, but shortly after lost its popularity with the rise of gas
prices also being a factor. Although drive-in theaters lost their popularity, it created an
opportunity for shopping centers making theaters an important part of a successful
retailing mix. These shopping centers were a big attraction for people and a huge part of
the development of the drive in culture.
Another noticeable effect was the gasoline service stations which started off rough.
Originally people had to purchase from stables or vendors who sold from small tanks,
during the time it was difficult for people to fill their tanks.It went through a total of five
phases with the 5th one being self-serve and full service pumping stations. The
implementation of the gas stations made traveling easier for motorized vehicles These
structures played a huge role in the development of the drive in culture.Consumers no
longer had to worry about their vehicles running out of gas because of how easily
accessible it ultimately became.
The house trailer and mobile home industry flourished in the United States. Originally
they were designed for travel and vacation purposes, but in the 1930 became very popular
for people especially for people in search of work such as salesmen and farm workers.
These trailers were extremely helpful for them as it was a place of shelter, meeting
economic and migratory requirements. These mobile homes became so popular that by
the late 1950s they were recognized by the Federal Housing Administration as suitable
housing for mortgage insurance. With this recognition more people were encouraged to
purchase these homes on wheels representing American values and industrial practices.
The drive in culture was not only an answer to the desire of Americans wanting to drive
more, it was a complete restructure in order to accommodate motorized vehicles.
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