America and Car Industry in the 50s
The constant novelty in America at this point was always changing, to keep up with demand. We were becoming the leading country in the world we had significant responsibilities, as a leading nation into the future. Our economy needed to be strong and booming. But this came with a cost. It was a burden for the middle class as they had no previous unions that had modern rights for this age. Protecting the worker from unworkable environments was actively becoming an issue. Reform started to happen in 1950. Yet it was constant trouble to keep up with the times and create a product that would impress the world market. The time of production of products was cut in half and made faster. The quality of materials had to change to fit the budge, developing less expensive items. The process became sloppy and fast. Americans needed to react and meet demand on a world stage.
American automobile designers stayed away from European design and rethought what American design was. This idea pushed American car companies to a new level of sophistication, freedom, and efficiency. The symbolism in American cars exudes freedom and the luxury to go anywhere. Second, the idea of a new future and what that held for the car industry and for the rest of society.
Henry Earl was a designer for cars. He worked General Motors, pushed a new sleek design, and changed the game for the car industry at that time, leading in the car industry in America. Still, General Motors quickly came to a head with their sleek and futuristic modern design with their cars. By the later 1950s, especially in 1958, General Motors had peaked at its highest rate for the car Industry. Also, the city of Detroit was booming, having the highest population than ever before in Detroit. This industry boomed the economy and started social work for the middle classes in their communities. At that time, Detroit was living in its golden era.
Henry Earl with a General Motors Car
General MotorsHead Quarter
General Motors sleek, modern design
