The 1950s Boom After World War II, changes occurred around the world and people experienced life differently. Parts of the world have struggled to rebuild after the devastation of war, while people in North America have seen economic booms and life improve. Increased demand for military goods has led to improved production. In Canada, with the return of the troops and their marriage, causing a baby boom, there was an increase in large-scale production of a variety of products, which helped boost its economy. Through increased industrialism, consumerism and optimism, the Canadian economy grew positively after the Second World War and helped change the quality of Canadian life. Industrialism helped drive the economy after World War II. Canadians were now collectively proud as a country as more products were made in Canada. “Everywhere Canadians looked there was material progress: new homes, schools, hospitals, and a host of impressive new products – everything from airplanes to refrigerators – that were now 'Made In Canada'” (Stanway, 269). Factories were no longer needed to create weapons. Instead, the machines and factories were used to mass-produce vehicles and agricultural equipment. Mass-produced machinery and vehicles enabled the development of large-scale projects such as the Trans-Canada Highway. This allowed for transportation like never before. The use of railways was no longer the norm; Canadians used cars and trucks to travel. Now they were traveling to the suburbs where housing developments were springing up. These housing developments were necessary for growing Canadian families. “Suburban growth has spurred transportation, construction, including new highways and rapid transit systems, primary schools… halfway… and able to finish school, and women have entered the workforce. With more women in the workforce, new appliances have come out to ease the workload at home. Families could afford television and spend time together watching new broadcast networks. These were brought into many homes for entertainment and to bring families together. They watched distant events, soap operas and comedy shows. After the war, families were able to enjoy themselves. After the Second World War, Canada prospered as a country. Through industrialism, consumerism and optimism, the quality of life has changed forever. Its economy flourished and the populations were full of pride. The infrastructure was improved to what it is today. Canadians purchased goods like never before. The end of the war made Canada one of the happiest countries. After the war the quality of life changed radically.