President Dwight D. Eisenhower: Championed and signed the bill into law.
Congress: Passed the legislation.
Automobile Industry: Supported the act.
WHAT:
Formally known as the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956.
Authorized the construction of a 41,000-mile (eventually expanded) interstate highway system across the United States.
It was to be funded largely by a new federal gasoline tax.
IMPACT: Why Significant?:
Increased Mobility: Revolutionized transportation, allowing for faster and more efficient travel across the country.
Economic Growth: Stimulated economic growth in the automotive, construction, and tourism industries. Facilitated the growth of suburbs and long-distance trucking, transforming logistics and supply chains.
Suburbanization: Facilitated the growth of suburbs and the movement of people away from urban centers.
Cold War Justification: Justified as essential for national defense, enabling the rapid movement of troops and supplies in case of an emergency.
Decline of Public Transportation: Contributed to the decline of public transportation and the increased reliance on automobiles.
Environmental Impact: Increased car emissions and promoted urban sprawl, contributing to environmental concerns.