Reasons for Growth in LA

1. Image

1.1. In the 1960s, growing affluence brought tourists to film theme parks- e.g. Disney Land, Universal Studios- all of which created further employment.

1.2. The development of the film industry in Hollywood- a suburb of LA- in the 1920s and 1930s created a glamorous image for the city.

2. Greater Affluence

2.1. This gave people greater choice about where to live. The fastest population growth in the 1960s and 70s was the sun-belt of California. Cold winters of the east coast cities (e.g. New York) combined with a romantic 'flower power' image from the late 1960s to make California a destination of choice; the lyrics of the Mamas and Papas' 1966 classic song 'California Dreaming' says it all.

3. Transport

3.1. The 20th century revolution in air travel created Los Angeles airport (LAX) which in 2010 was the sixth busiest airport in the world.

3.2. The arrival of the transcontinental railway from the east in 1876 stimulated raid population growth; half a million people arrived within 40 years.

4. Employment

4.1. In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil, the opening of a Ford car plant and other manufacturing industries meant continued growth.

4.2. The aircraft industry took advantage of the city's good weather for civil and military test flights as well as for production sites.