The Booming 1950sAfter World War II, changes occurred around the world and people experienced life differently. Parts of the world struggled to rebuild after the devastation of war, while people in North America saw the economy boom and their standard of living improve. Increased demand for military goods led to improved manufacturing. In Canada, with the returning troops and their marriage causing a baby boom, large-scale production of a variety of products increased, which helped stimulate the economy. Through increased industrialism, consumerism and optimism, Canada's economy experienced positive growth after the Second World War and helped change the quality of life for Canadians. Industrialism helped boost 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 – from airplanes to refrigerators – that were now 'made in Canada'” (Stanway, 269). Factories were no longer needed to create weapons. Instead, machines and factories were used to mass produce vehicles and agricultural equipment. Mass-produced machines and vehicles enabled the development of large-scale projects like the Trans-Canada Highway. This enabled transportation like never before. The use of railways was no longer the norm; Canadians used cars and trucks to get around. They were now heading towards the suburbs where housing developments were springing up. These housing developments were needed by growing Canadian families. "The growth of suburbs spurred transportation, construction, including new highways and rapid transit systems, primary schools... middle of paper...they were able to complete their education and women entered the labor market. With the increase in the number of women in the workforce, new devices have emerged to ease the workload at home. Families could afford televisions and spend time together watching new broadcast networks. These were introduced into many homes for entertainment and bringing families together. They watched distant events, soap operas and comedy shows. After the war, families could have fun. After the Second World War, Canada prospered as a country. Thanks to industrialism, consumerism and optimism, the quality of life has changed forever. Its economy was thriving and the people were full of pride. The infrastructure has been improved to what it is today. Canadians bought goods like never before. The end of the war made Canada one of the happiest countries. After the war, the quality of life changed dramatically.