Difference between revisions of "Sun Belt"
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Revision as of 03:51, December 26, 2016
The Sun Belt is a region in the Southern, Western, and Mountain states of the United States that experienced large economic and political growth and transformation starting around the 1960s. While the left-wing Northeast and West, which was plagued with poor business conditions, went into a long period of decline, the conservative, small government Sun Belt prospered. The prosperity continues to this day.
Prior to economic transformation
At the end of World War II, the area that would become the Sun Belt, particularly the South, was the poorest area of the nation.[1] The South and Southwest had a much smaller population, were relatively remote, and had an unideal meteorological climate for economic growth, as they were very hot locations.[2] On the other hand, the Northeastern and Midwestern United States were politically, economically, and demographically the most important areas of the nation.[1][2]
Reasons for growth
An important reason for the growth of the Sun Belt was the development of air conditioning.[2] With this innovation, one could live comfortably in the Sun Belt states all year long, as the climate was nice in the winter and air conditioning could be used in the summer.
Another reason for growth was the weak labor unions and small government in the region.[1] While the Northeast and Midwest were bogged down with big government, high wages and taxes and had strong labor unions which further increased costs and lowered efficiency, the Sun Belt had none of those things. Its very business-friendly climate encouraged businesses to relocate there.
Some people have noted that there was much government spending directed toward the region, mainly for military-related installations and purposes but also for other projects.[1] Some have noted that much of this investment and spending occurred during World War II, even though real economic growth did not actually begin until a few decades later. Regardless, by 1980 almost half of U.S. soldiers were stationed in the area and 40 percent of the U.S. Department of Defense was directed to the area.[1]
Other stated factors in the growth of the Sun Belt include desegregation[1] and transportation and communications improvements.[3]